FIJI Women’s Basketball rep and US-based Valerie Nainima is possibly the first Fijian woman to hold a coaching post in a club in the US.
The three-year veteran of the Bronx moved up from video co-ordinator to assistant coach.
While Basketball Fiji could not comment when this issue went to press, Fordham Sports reported that the head coach of the Fordham women’s basketball head coach and program head, Stephanie Gaitley, last announced Nainima’s promotion.
The Fijian star player is now assistant coach after completing her third season in the Bronx.
“I am extremely excited to promote Val to the assistant coach position,” Gaitley said.
“Val is the best player I have coached. She has a great knowledge and passion for the game. Coming to the United States from Fiji was a big step for her and she certainly left her mark as a player.
“Now I am excited to help mentor her to leave her mark as a coach!”
Nainima spent three years as video co-ordinator for the Rams, in which Fordham tallied a record of 57-41. Nainima has close ties with Gaitley, having played under her for two years at LIU Brooklyn, in which she became the first player in Northeast Conference history to be named both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
This is after averaging 17.8 points per game to lead the US’ freshmen in scoring.
