Josie Stockill ’16 reports on her team’s visit to her hometown

The team got together with Josie’s friends and family for a barbeque upon arriving in her hometown of Napier.

Tuesday was the highlight of the Colgate Tour for me. It was the day that I got to visit my high school, give back to the community and showcase our basketball team to all of the people who have supported me for years.

We started the day at Napier Girls’ High School with a pōwhiri; a Māori welcoming ceremony. I was honoured to perform the opening karanga (call) for the manuhiri (visiting) group. We had a tour of the school and many photos were taken.

Next stop, after a brief tour of Napier city, was Pettigrew Green Arena where we ran a clinic for 180 young female Hawke’s Bay athletes. It was a full on hour of skills stations and autographs that was enjoyed by all. Most importantly for me it felt great to show the young kids of the Bay what opportunities could be available to them if they wish to pursue basketball at a collegiate level.

Editor’s Note: To see a time lapse of the clinic, please click here.

Lunch was set at Church Road, one of the many local libraries. As it was a pre-game meal, the full winery experience was omitted and wines were left un-tasted. We then had a short hour to spend at my house on Napier Hill, which was spent in total rest-mode for the players.

Game time in Hastings was very special. The stands were filled with people who I have known for years, who have helped me grow into the person I am today. The opposition was made up of my past teammates and was coached by Shane Brown and Suzie Hiha, the people who introduced me to basketball and set me on the path to Colgate. The cheer when my name was read out in the line up was heart-warming. The game itself was fairly uneventful. It was close the majority of the way with Colgate coming out on top by a decent margin in the end. The crowd applauded points scored by both sides, enjoying the coming-together of two basketball worlds.

The team poses with Josie Stockill ’16 and her parents, Karen and Adrian, and her brother, Oscar after the game.

A definite highlight was the haka performed after our game. A group of local boys (including my younger brother Oscar) did the haka for both teams and it gave me goosebumps. The haka carries a huge amount of mana (respect and pride).

Post-game meal was Hell’s Pizzas at my house, a national restaurant chain that makes my favourite pizzas. After that everyone (including myself) left to go back to our billet houses for the last night in Napier. I would have loved to have seen my family more and to have stayed at my own house but having them at the game and dinners was special.

It was surreal and incredible having Colgate in my hometown. Next stop, the capital city Wellington!