OUR ATHLETES

Kaiyah Ratu

Rangi Ruru Student Athlete

WHAT SPORTS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?

“I was in the Rangi 1st XI hockey team in 2021 and 2022, (yet to be named for 2023) and for softball I am in the Canterbury U17s, Canterbury U19s, Canterbury Women’s Team, New Zealand U18s, the New Zealand Women’s Catching Team and New Zealand women’s squad.”

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT SPORT AND WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CHOSEN CODES?

“I really enjoy sports because of the opportunities you are given and the friendships made along the way. I have made a lot of friends and they’re all-over New Zealand, so it’s pretty cool. The biggest highlight of my career so far would be winning a national title for Canterbury and getting the opportunity to represent my country in softball. It made me feel absolutely amazing, there’s no words to explain it. It was just amazing.”

HOW ARE YOU ENABLED TO BE YOUR BEST IN YOUR SPORTS AT RANGI RURU?

“Rangi has helped me a lot. The culture here is incredible, all the teachers and coaches are very supportive and nice and making sure I am okay with everything.

“I thought one of the biggest challenges for me was going to be fitting in schoolwork and sport at the same time but with the help I’m getting, it’s actually a lot easier than I had expected it to be. The teachers and coaches are always pushing for their girls to always be their best and be better than before and it’s very empowering. I feel like I am getting the opportunity to be my best and it’s building me as a girl.”