The Pilitati sisters say triple it! Family ties blaze a trail for Cook Islands Basketball

An opportunity to be part of history presented itself as a no-brainer for three Cook Island women - triplet sisters representing their small island nation, driven by immense pride and unbreakable family ties.

Sisters Natasha, Tearii, and Dalen Pilitati made history at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup last week in Shenzhen, China, after being the first set of triplets to represent their country on an international stage.

Youngest triplet Dalen Pilitati describes the experience as “unreal," with all three sisters expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the historic campaign.

Having represented the Cook Islands in Basketball since 2018, Dalen acknowledges that it is an honour she does not take lightly, one that reignited a spark for basketball in the oldest triplet, Natasha.

“I love my country so much that I will drop anything to go and play basketball, even though I've lost a passion for the game over the last few years,” Natasha says. “It really reignited a spark playing for this country in particular.”

Playing for their family, culture, and faith, middle triplet Tearii shares the blessing of having a distinctive Pilitati flair on the court.

Cook Island Tiare's. Photo/Cook Islands Basketball/Facebook

“We call it a triple letto feeling, and we’ve been able to experience that ever since we were little…and on the court when we started playing competitively in high school,” Tearii says.

“It is a bit eye-lingual, and we can just feel where we need to be on court. It has worked in our favour, but honestly, it’s an unreal feeling when you get to play with your sisters and have that instinct as well.”

The historical statistics have continued to rise, as the FIBA Cup marked the biggest achievement for the Cook Islands Tiares to date - one that is a testament to the huge sacrifices made by leaders within the team.

With limited external support and most funding coming from their own pockets, it is evident that the creation of this programme is one built on love and growth of the game for their people.

Playing guard alongside her sister Dalen, Tearii hopes they can reward the efforts of the programme by showcasing to other athletes that there are pathways in their own country.

“For a lot of Cook Island athletes, especially young girls, we’re either New Zealand or Australia-based,” Tearii says.

“What we’re trying to do is inspire the next generation to continue this Cook Islands Basketball journey.”

Dalen adds that representing their country on the world stage opens their minds to what else they are capable of.

Despite being Wellington-based, their Cook Islands roots are not lost on them. The passion they have, not just for Rarotonga but for other South Pacific nations, is truly admirable.

“It’s not only for our young girls, but for our young boys as well,” Dalen says. “This is only the beginning, so even though we are a small island we are representing all our South Pacific Islands. We are setting the standard here and hoping it can grow in the future.”

Although opportunities are greater in other countries, Natasha says that playing for your island nation can be a vehicle for fostering a deeper connection within oneself and one's culture.

Cook Island Tiare's with Tahiti after their 70-58 win. Photo/Cook Islands Basketball/Facebook

“It just hits differently when you play for your own island,” Natasha says. “Don’t forget about your little nation, and when you do represent your country, put that stamp out there. Make sure you know Kukis to the world is a real thing.”

After achieving their goal of securing a 78-50 win in China over fellow island nation Tahiti, it’s clear the platform for Cook Islands women’s basketball is just getting started.

The Pilitati sisters are leaving their mark on the Cook Islands basketball legacy, blazing a trail for future generations.