WOMEN OF THE ISLANDS - CAROL AGAFILI
CAROL AGAFILI
CRICKET PLAYER / CRICKET DEVELOPMENT
OFFICER SAMOAN
- What is your Pacific Heritage? - I am full Samoan.
My mum is from Sili Savai’i and Dad is from Sala’ilua.
- Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Mangere and Manurewa. I went to Wiri Central School, a primary and intermediate school in Manurewa. Then I went to McAuley High School where I finished in 2020. The end of 2020 was that start of my cricket journey.
- Did you grow up playing kilikiti?
Yes I grew up playing Kilikiki with my dad. I always attended his team training and games because I enjoyed watching and then eventually started playing for Ao Atua and G.I.
Kilikiki was not just another sport for me, it was where we all got together and enjoyed the sport we love to play. Not only that the fellowship, friendship, connectiveness and competitiveness we had while playing the sport of kilikiki.
- How has your cultural background influenced your cricketing journey?
My cultural background influenced my cricketing career by helping me be myself in a different environment, showing confidence in where I came from backing the skills I learnt from playing kilikiki. My cultural background is what made me who I am today, the values and teaching from my parents, transferring the good vibes, competitiveness, fun, respect and many more feelings I had while playing kilikiki.
- Can you share any specific cultural values or traditions from Samoa that you incorporate into your cricket career?
The cultural values I incorporated into my cricket career were respect, family and GOD. I say this because I was brought up being told to show respect to everyone, young or old. No matter where I go respect is a key value I must carry with me along with humility. Family – Brings everyone together, connected, whole. Just a reminder of having a family that helps me through thick and thin will always take us a long way.
Our father in Heaven see's all, reminding ourselves that anything is possible through Christ. Small reminders of how important it is to connect with the one who gives us the strength and knowledge do what I can every day of our life-
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- What inspired you to start playing cricket, and who were your biggest influences growing up?
Well, it was a person who influenced me to play cricket. Her name is Regina Lilii. It was her speech at my sports prize giving. Her message really encouraged me to jump into a different lane, try something different and I believed cricket was the one. My biggest influences growing up were my parents, especially my dad. I watched him play kilikiki growing up and saw his passion and love for the sport and showed me I could do the same with whatever sport I put my heart and soul into.
- How do you see your role as a mentor for young Pasifika players, especially girls, who are interested in cricket?
Well, I believe it’s time for them to be courageous and step into that uncomfortable situation. Nothing ever comes easy and if they’re willing to put themselves in that situation, they can achieve anything.
- What strategies do you believe are most effective in promoting cricket within Pasifika communities?
I believe the most effective way of promoting cricket within the Pasifika communities is to give more exposure and knowledge about the sport and how it's been modified to support and cater for all people. Little exposures like the Pasifika Secondary school team, the Pacific Cup where they see their people taking part in the sport cricket.
We also need support from the community and giving them the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about their views of the sport.
- What challenges have you faced as a Pasifika cricketer, and how did you overcome them?
The challenges I faced as a Pasifika Cricketer were being different and going into an environment, I wasn’t comfortable being in. Not having the resources or knowledge of the sport. Adapting to change. I overcame this challenge by being myself. Not only that the support from my family help me face these challenges, but they’ve also always supported me in whatever I put my mind too and this was a big step, and I they knew being there for me would help me grow. My coaches Garry Wood, and Regina Lilii also helped me overcome these challenges by supporting me and showing me that being myself is the key to it all. They never gave up on me and helped me when I doubted myself. I never changed to try and fit in.
- What is your vision for the future of Pasifika involvement in cricket?
My vision for the future of Pasifika involvement in cricket is more support and inclusiveness within the community. We need to be able to gain that support and relationship with the community. I want them to feel comfortable when going into cricket. Showing them that cricket is a sport for all.
- Written by Arts & Culture Journalist Destiny Momoiseā
made with the help of Creative New Zealand