HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - For Loremarose Taeta Tahani, basketball is becoming much more than a game.
From representing Solomon Islands on the national stage to coaching young players and developing her leadership skills through FIBA’s Women in Leadership program, Loremarose is forging a pathway that demonstrates what is possible for young women and girls through basketball.
As the basketball community marks International Day of the Girl Child, Loremarose’s journey reflects the growing opportunities for young women across Oceania to participate, lead and make a difference through sport.
Loremarose’s motivation extends beyond her own development, she wants to be a visible example for the next generation of girls coming through the sport.
I want other girls to see someone who genuinely believes in them, is committed to creating opportunities for them, and shows them they can be confident, strong, disciplined and passionate about something they love.
Basketball has given Loremarose opportunities to experience that for herself.
Her journey reached another milestone in 2025 when she represented Solomon Islands at the FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup on home soil in Honiara. Loremarose featured in all four of Solomon Islands' games.
But for Loremarose, pulling on the Solomon Islands jersey represented something far greater than individual achievement, describing it as an opportunity to honour the family and friends who have supported her, carry the pride of her nation and inspire the next generation of girls to chase their dreams.
Her connection to basketball extends well beyond playing.
Ultimately, she wants to use the sport to give back to her community and contribute to developing the next generation of female players and leaders.
That progression has continued in 2026, with Loremarose selected to participate in FIBA Oceania's WiLEAD program alongside fellow Solomon Islander Winnie Laora.
For Loremarose, the experience has challenged her to think more broadly about what leadership looks like and the type of leader she wants to become.
“Being part of the Oceania Women in Basketball Leadership Program has taught me that leadership is not just about having a title or being the person in front. It is about listening, supporting others, having confidence in yourself and helping others find confidence in themselves.”
As part of her project in the Women in Basketball Leadership Program supported by PacificAus Sports, Loremarose has established a girls grassroots basketball program in Honiara. The initiative is creating a safe and encouraging space for young players to learn the game, build confidence and connect with positive female role models, a pathway she hopes will continue to grow across Solomon Islands.
She hopes to become a leader who is approachable, encouraging and willing to learn, while creating opportunities for other young women and girls, particularly those who may not believe in themselves yet. Already a national representative, Basketball For Good Coach, and community volunteer, Loremarose is developing the experience to contribute to basketball from both sides of the side-line.
While her own basketball journey continues, Loremarose is determined to make sure younger players recognise the possibilities the sport can create. Having experienced her own moments of self‑doubt, she knows confidence does not always come before taking an opportunity. Instead, she encourages young girls to give themselves the chance to try, learn and make mistakes, reminding them that they do not have to be the best player or have everything figured out before they start.
For girls across Solomon Islands, Loremarose is increasingly demonstrating that those possibilities do not have to end with making a team. Basketball can provide a pathway to play, coach, lead and give back. And as Loremarose continues to find her own place within the game, she is helping make that pathway more visible for the girls coming behind her.
For Loremarose, even inspiring one girl to think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too,” would make that journey worthwhile.
Her message to those girls is simple: “Don’t wait until you feel confident, just take the first step. Your voice, your talent and your dreams matter, so don’t be afraid to put yourself forward.”