"You have to have tough skin in South Auckland. Some people look at us and think nothing's possible, but when you grow up here you realise all things are possible."
South Auckland is the home of the Robinhood Stars, but it's also the place where Amorangi Malesala grew up and first learned how to shoot a netball.
The new Stars shooter has returned to New Zealand after a two year stint in Sydney where she had involvement with the New South Wales Swifts.
Malesala previously played in the ANZ Premiership with the Splice Construction Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic where she made 16 appearances between the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
"When the opportunity came especially during the pandemic, i thought it was a good chance to come back home and play for the franchise based where I grew up," Malesala said.
"Finding a way to give back to my community was also a big reason why, but i also wanted to complete my law degree, which I put on hold for two years while over in Sydney."
Malesala is one of six new faces in the Stars' full-time squad and loves how everyone offers their own point of difference in amongst a tight-knit team dynamic.
"The cultural side of things is something that's awesome within the team. Not only our team culture, but as a collective we're so diverse. i think that's the awesome thing about the Stars is that while we're all individuals and different in our own ways, we also come together and give back to the community which is really cool," Malesala explains.
"I'd like to think of our team as mana wahine. Everyone has their own mana in their own right, so i think when we go out on court it really shows."
Malesala has found herself amongst a strong shooting contingent which includes Silver Ferns Maia Wilson and Monica Falkner and the experienced Jamie Hume.
Malesala's made two appearances so far this season and showcased her accuracy during the win over the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, where she didn't miss a shot.
"I think what I enjoy most about shooting is at the end of the day without the shooters you can't win a game. It's good to be on edge in relation to not having your position handed to you and you've got to work hard for it. It's all about who plays well on the day, so when the opportunity comes I just need to take it with both hands."
Culture is incredibly important to Malesala. Her mum is Māori and her dad is Samoan which has contributed to Malesala being trilingual. She says her parents have encouraged her to never forget her roots.
"While I was in Australia it was a good time for me to reflect and just be content within myself, because wherever I am, whether it's Auckland or not, I know where I stand within this world." Malesala said.
Malesala's become an educator for her teammates and has been impressed by their willingness to learn new customs.
"Culture is everything to me and seeing everyone in the team who is non-Māori buy in and just getting in behind the kaupapa and giving things a go really puts a smile on my face."
While she is on the court and a part of the Stars Malesala knows she is representing not only her family, but all the people in her community.
As she reflects on her netball journey, Malesala wants to use her position to encourage others to believe in themselves and shoot for the Stars.
"You have to have tough skin in South Auckland. We have our stereotypes and some people look at us and think nothing's possible, but when you grow up here you realise all things are possible and you should never settle for less and always have high expectations of yourself."
Off the court, Malesala is working hard to complete her law degree and has aspirations to continue giving back to the community that shaped her, even after she's put a netball through the goal for the last time.
"I hope I can work in the rangatahi (youth) court and give back by advocating for Māori and Pacific youth. I want to have a good impact, whether it's through law or cultural advisory and giving back's something I'd be really passionate about."
