SHENZHEN (China) - For the first time in history, Tahiti competed at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 Division B - a milestone that means more than just wins or losses. It's a story of belief and inspiration for the next generation of basketball players in the Pacific.
"Some girls maybe looking at us and dreaming of the possibility of playing in this kind of competition one day."
While the results did not fall in their favor, the island nation has shown steady progress and unbreakable spirit. After a tough 122-38 opening loss to Chinese Taipei, they bounced back with improved performances in each following game.
"We're getting better every day," said head coach Georges Adams.
"I know this is a tough tournament. We know the other teams, they are strong, tall, and they play nice basketball but I'm happy because they never give up and this is the most important thing for us."
One of the leaders on the court and off is Mathilde Bayle, a 31-year-old general practitioner averaging 7.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Her presence has been invaluable in mentoring the young group while representing her country with pride.
"It's been a great experience to be here with Tahiti," Bayle said. "We are a small country, we don’t have these kinds of facilities. It’s a huge honor, and we’re proud to compete against these teams."
"I think for every girl here, we are living the experience like kids because everything is new for us. The training, the facilities, all the things that are made for us to perform well. We are very happy, proud and we'd like to thank everybody for making this possible for us."
More than the that, Tahiti's participation has been about growth - and that’s best seen through the team's youngest faces. 14-year-old Ranitea Magdalena Wan Soong, the youngest player across both Divisions A and B, made her debut with 4 minutes in the opener and steadily grew in confidence. On July 16 against India, she scored her first points, added a rebound and dished two assists - moments that meant everything to her coach and teammates.
"I am happy about that, she gave everything on defense," said Adams. "She's the youngest here in the tournament. Another girl, she's 16 years old and they are getting better every day. This is going to be a good opportunity for them in a few years for our [Pacific] Games in Tahiti."
That 16-year-old, Leia Ragiariki Lois-May Fareata, has also shone brightly. After scoring her first points against Chinese Taipei, she impressed with 7 points and 6 rebounds against India.
The individual and collective growth did not come without a push from within the team.
"I think it was difficult in the first game because we were facing Chinese Taipei and the intensity was at a really high level. I think we were expecting it to be that way but maybe not that fast and well on the shots," said Bayle. "After we regrouped and talked to each other, we said we need to the best on the court.
"It's all experience, we have nothing to lose. I think maybe it was that change our mindset that helped us to perform better game after game."
Their development on this big stage is a key part of Tahiti’s long-term plan, especially with the Pacific Games 2027 set to be hosted on home soil. Tahiti earned their ticket to this Asia Cup by winning the previous edition of the Pacific Games - an achievement they are eager to build on.
"It will be a really nice experience," said Bayle of the next Pacific Games in Tahiti. "We are feeling good to have the Games at home and we hope the organization will be great and that everybody will have a good time and that they will have the condition to perform as well as they can."
When asked if the goal is to win back-to-back?
"Yeah, it’s a goal."
But the journey to Shenzhen hasn’t been easy. With key players missing due to injuries, work obligations, and other commitments, the team had to adapt quickly. Their preparations included training at 5 AM before school and work.
Coach Adams also recalls the literal journey from Tahiti to Shenzhen - a 48-hour travel that saw them go through Seattle, Seoul, and Hong Kong, China.
"But it's not a problem," he said. "When you can see every time they give the maximum on the court, this is the most important for us."
"They give the maximum, they never give up, they tried, and they stayed together."
Bayle recognizes the bigger impact their participation can have back home.
"Some girls maybe looking at us and dreaming of the possibility of playing in this kind of competition one day."
"It's important for us to have the best state of mind and the best approach so that those people that are watching us can say 'Okay, maybe I can do this one day and I’m going to make everything possible to be there one day'."
And as the countdown begins toward 2027, there’s no doubt the seeds planted in Shenzhen this July will bloom brightly in Tahiti in two years' time.
FIBA