GOLD COAST (Australia) - FIBA in Oceania has announced the selection of two emerging Pacific athletes, Samoa’s Amber Main and Solomon Islands’ Francina Manele, to participate in Basketball Australia’s She Hoops "Leadership and Confidence" Scholarship.
The opportunity forms part of FIBA’s commitment to strengthening pathways for women and girls across the region, in line with the FIBA Global Women in Basketball Strategy. The She Hoops "Leadership and Confidence Scholarship" will provide both participants with exposure to high‑performance environments, mentoring, and practical learning experiences designed to build capability on and off the court.
FIBA Executive Director – Oceania, Amanda Jenkins congratulated both athletes on their selection success.
“Through the PacificAus Sports partnership, we can provide meaningful opportunities that strengthen pathways for women and girls across the Oceania region,” Ms Jenkins said. “Amber and Francina’s selection reflect the growing depth of talent in the Pacific and the commitment of our National Federations to developing future leaders. Empowering women in basketball is a core priority for FIBA, and programs like She Hoops with Basketball Australia ensure that young women not only gain valuable experience but also return home equipped to inspire and uplift their communities.”
For Samoa’s Amber Main, the selection is a milestone she describes with pride and gratitude. “I feel incredibly grateful and excited to be selected,” Amber said.
“It’s an amazing opportunity, and I’m proud to represent Samoa.”
Amber began playing basketball at a young age and has since become a familiar presence in local competitions and youth programs. “I’ve taken part in many programs and competitions in Samoa and enjoy helping younger players wherever I can,” she said.
Amber says basketball continues to motivate her daily.
“Basketball inspires me because it challenges me to work hard, stay disciplined, and be a better teammate. It brings me joy and motivates me daily.” She also expressed appreciation for those who have supported her journey. “I want to thank my family for always supporting me, our Samoa National Basketball Association, especially the president and committee, for believing in me and supporting young players. I’m also grateful to all my coaches, volunteers, and mentors who have helped me grow both on and off the court.”
She hopes to use the experience to strengthen pathways for young players in Samoa.
I’m truly excited for this opportunity and ready to learn as much as I can. I look forward to representing Samoa proudly, gaining new skills, and bringing that knowledge back to support younger players.
Francina Manele’s selection continues the Solomon Islands’ growing representation in regional development programs, with her participation expected to contribute to the federation’s ongoing efforts to build capacity in women’s basketball. Her involvement in She Hoops will support her development as both an athlete and a leader, with further details to be shared by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federation.
"I am honoured and humble to be recognised," Manele said. "This scholarship inspires me to keep pushing forward and giving back to the Game."
"Basketball inspires me to grow and never give up not just as a player but as a person. It teaches me to work together with my teammates which also teaches me about team work on daily basis."
The She Hoops "Leadership and Confidence Scholarship" initiative is one of several development opportunities delivered through the PacificAus Sports partnership, which enables Oceania athletes, coaches, and officials to access high‑quality training and learning experiences. The collaboration with She Hoops began in 2025, when Palau’s Kierra Kedengek Ketenbengage and Fiji’s Makaefa Savu became the inaugural Oceania participants outside of Australia.
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About PacificAus Sports
PacificAus Sports is an Australian Government sports diplomacy initiative developing pathways for Pacific teams and athletes to compete in elite competitions and access high performance coaching in Australia and internationally. The program partners with Australian national sports organisations to support a range of Pacific sports, with funding split evenly between women and men. PacificAus Sports also partners with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) to promote Pacific sport through ABC Television’s ‘That Pacific Sports Show’ and ABC Radio’s ‘Fresh Off the Field’. The high-performance outcomes of PacificAus Sports are complemented by the Australian Government’s Team Up program, which focuses on sport for development in the Pacific. For more information about PacificAus Sports and its initiatives, visit www.pacificaussports.gov.au and follow PacificAus Sports on Facebook.
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About She Hoops
She Hoops is a Basketball Australian initiative that exists to break down barriers and build a community of women and girls who feel seen, heard, and empowered.
The She Hoops mission is to provide more opportunities for women and girls to get involved and stay involved in basketball. We do this by inspiring, connecting and empowering women and girls through engaging programs, networking events and leadership pathways.