Injury to empowerment: Paris Lokotui’s journey of growth and family

Tactix netball player Paris Lokotui believes there is more to life than just sport.

This is because after sustaining an injury, she has had the opportunity to reset and explore other aspects of life beyond the court.

Speaking with Latonya Lole on Pacific Huddle, the Tongan wing defence shared that her injury allowed her to re-evaluate her priorities and recognise that life encompasses more than just a game.

“Life is not always about netball. Looking at it from a bigger perspective, I got to finish my uni degree and catch up on events that I wouldn’t have if I was in that netball scene.

“I had a really good support system, being at home, being around family…they were just really big in my recovery.”

The 23-year-old described the mental challenges of recovery, saying that the long break made returning to the game more difficult.

Paris Lokotui graduates from Victoria University of Wellington in May 2025. Photo/Parislokotui/Instagram.

Lokotui adds that it’s important to have interests and options beyond netball.

“An ACL takes you nine months or even longer, so knowing that I wouldn’t be around the sport or wanting to do as much as I can with my body was the hardest aspect of it,” she says.

“You get to be a completely different person and focus on so many other different things…Uni brings that aspect, especially whatever kind of area you’re studying in.”

Watch Paris Lokotui's full interview below.

Lokotui praised those athletes who manage to study while playing, specifically highlighting Mystics netball player Catherine Hall, who is pursuing a medical degree while playing full-time.

“Kudos to her and kudos to anyone who’s studying whatever kind of path that they’re looking down.

“When I moved down, my intention wasn’t to play netball - it was just to be around family…that’s part of my transition from Wellington to Christchurch.”

As a proud Tongan woman, Lokotui values her culture and family. Living with her family, including her grandparents, keeps her grounded.

“What made me choose netball was my friends and being around my family. I love my family so much. They’re the most important thing to me in the world,” she says.

Paris Lokotui with her family. Photo/Parislokotui/Instagram.

“I think culture is such an important part of my life and so many other Pasifika people. It’s a sense of gratitude and home. Faith is one of those important pillars…to navigate the world.

“I go training, come back, and they don’t ask about my day, they just go on, ask to do the dishes…I kind of love that aspect of being a part of the Pasifika family.”

Lokotui is set to play in the ANZ Premiership Grand Final against the Northern Mystics on Sunday, 27 July, at the Trust Arena in Auckland.