Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

2025 was an “eventful” year for Pacific sport, so narrowing it down to just a few standout moments was no easy task.

Alongside hosting Pacific Huddle, I’ve been reporting throughout the week, from inspiring performances at the Pacific Mini Games to unforgettable clashes at the Pacific Championships, this year delivered stories that made me laugh, cheer, and occasionally shed a tear.

Here are my top four stories from the year - a mix of veteran brilliance, rising stars, and memorable moments that reminded me why covering Pacific sports is so rewarding.

Pacific Mini Games: Clarence Clanry

Talk about a baptism by fire, my introduction to this role dove straight into covering the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, and what an exciting time that was.

A story that stood out for me was the oldest athlete at the mini games, Clarence Clanry. From the Marshall Islands, the 71-year-old athlete represented his small Pacific nation in table tennis and inspired his fellow teammates.

Clarence Clanry, left, and Maer Loeak take on Palau. Photo/PMN News/James Nokise

While he wasn’t able to podium finish, Clanry’s success extended beyond silverware as his extensive 59-year playing career was acknowledged and admired by many.

There were many elements to this story I enjoyed writing, particularly that Clanry served as an unintentional trailblazer with Table tennis not being a traditional sport for the Marshallese.

Black Ferns: Rise of Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Fast-tracking through a Super Rugby Aupiki championship straight into her first Women’s Rugby World Cup, Braxton Sorensen-McGee is nothing short of a national treasure.

Covering the WRWC meant early-morning starts to keep up with the time zones, but it was worth it.

At just 19, Sorensen-McGee not only dominated the regional competition but made waves internationally, scoring back-to-back hat-tricks before her team’s heartbreaking semi-final exit.

Her performance, alongside the incredible talent of her fellow wāhine toa, reaffirmed my passion for women in sports and showcased the new generation of rugby stars making their mark on the world stage.

Pacific Championships - part one: Fetu Sāmoa

I had to break the Pacific Championships coverage into two parts because the Pacific pride in this year’s campaign was so great, and being on the reporting side, rather than just cheering from the sidelines, made it even more special.

Sitting up in the stands and watching a 20-0 halftime lead for the Fetu at Go Media Stadium was such a statement for what’s yet to come.

Even though they didn’t make the final, that game showcased the depth of Rugby League in the Pacific, especially in the women’s game, and opened the floodgates for supporters to see it.

Fetu Sāmoa’s head coach firing back at the ‘tier one’ nation rankings was a statement in itself. If that game is anything to go by, the build-up to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup is going to be unmissable, and I can’t wait.

Fetu Sāmoa celebrating against the Kiwi Ferns in round one of the Pacific Championships. Photo/Fiona Goodall/ Photosport

Pacific Championships part two: Toa Sāmoa vs Tonga

To not be at a live match but still feel like you are? That’s a credit to everyone involved in the game!

The atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium for this clash of the campaign absolutely exceeded expectations, and yes, the striking storm played its part too.

Even with a 90-minute weather delay, TikToks were popping up of fans dancing in the rain, flags held high, completely unfazed by the conditions or the lightning.

There have been so many firsts for me this year, including experiencing fans’ energy both live and through the television. Moments like that make you remember why sport is so special, and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.