Basketball star Ella Fotu is “extremely excited” to be part of the first-ever 3X3 New Zealand basketball team heading to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games later this month.
About 18 months ago, when the 26-year-old English and Tongan Auckland-based 26-year-old learned that the modified game could be included in the Games, she set a goal to get there. And she has.
Before she leaves for Birmingham, she gets some 3X3 experience at the Asia Cup in Singapore. It was only last weekend that she received the call-up for the competition.
She speaks with Zoë George about sports and her work as a firefighter:
FIBA
Ella Fotu in action for New Zealand at the 3×3 World Cup in Antwerp, Belgium. She represents NZ at the Commonwealth Games in 3×3.
What makes 3X3 different from standard basketball?
The condition, the speed you go, the kind of shots you take, the training for those shots. You really go for those three points, trying to get those quick shots where you can. You have less time. I’m really enjoying 3X3 right now, the fast pace and excitement of it.
How’s your three point game going!?
I’ve practiced, but it can always be better!
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Why basketball?
My older brother – Isaac Fotu – plays. He got a scholarship and I wanted to do that too. I did a lot of sports growing up, but it was about being able to travel and go abroad. It’s why I chose it. I have been to Japan, Australia, China, Indonesia, Belgium, France.
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You are also part of the Tauihi women’s professional basketball league, which started a few weeks ago. It is the first competition of its kind to offer women equal pay. What does that mean to you?
I play for mainland Pouikai. It is awesome. I don’t know if everyone understands how big it is, but it’s huge to get a little back after putting so much into the game. How they built it all is empowering for women.
You are also a professional firefighter. Why did you choose that profession?
I was at home when Covid happened and two people introduced it to me. When I looked at it, it was ideal. I always wanted a job that helps people, and the flexibility. It’s a cool job. I’m at Birkenhead station. I work two days on, two nights on, four days off. That helped with training.
Abigail Dougherty / Stuff
Ella Fotu is the only woman on her firefighting crew in Birkenhead.
How many women does your crew consist of?
There are no women at my station. The station I was at before there were two. But they are there and we all support each other and keep in touch, which is nice. But there are great people in the service. It’s like a family. Great jokes, always!
Do you bring the ball out during the downtime at the station and have a little one-on-one with the guys?
I’m pretty sure they’re too scared, huh! They talk a big game, but I think I can handle them all!
What do your fellow firefighters think about going to the Commonwealth Games?
They are so supportive. My crew, they keep me busy all the time. So much credit to my crew and the organization. They enable me to do this. I am very grateful for that.
Which was harder to train for: the fire service or the Commonwealth Games basketball team?
That is a difficult question! They’ll cross the road, but I’d say the fire brigade. I played basketball because I liked it, but firefighters are a little more serious. You want to be a good firefighter. Not that you don’t want to be a good basketball player, but there is more at stake. It’s nice to know you’re there to help. The community looks to firefighters as a helping hand, and that’s what I really like. We will do the best we can for you and give you that support when you need it.
What is the most challenging thing about being a firefighter?
There is a lot you need to know, and you should always be ready. Especially if you are napping and the alarm goes off at night. This way you stay informed and you are prepared for anything. The number of times I’ve been home to sleep and a noise has gone off, and I’ve jumped up, and then realized I was home, so we’re good!
How did firefighter help your basketball?
There is a crossover, both physically and mentally. You have to stay fit to be a firefighter, and you get time at work [to train] which is very useful. Mentally, the challenges have made me stronger. More resilient. There has also been a push for greater support for spiritual well-being in the ministry.
What are you most looking forward to at the Commonwealth Games?
Seeing all sports together and being part of that New Zealand group. Our goal is a medal. Our toughest competition will be Canada. They did very well at the World Cup. Australia will also be a difficult team.