Katelyn Vaha'akolo: the rugby league star with a voice for change

via RNZ Pacific's "Champions of the Pacific"

Click here to listen to her interview on the Champions of the Pacific podcast.

Cover image photo credit :  Photo: Â© Copyright Andrew Cornaga 2020 / www.photosport.nz / Photosport Ltd

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A year ago, Katelyn Vaha'akolo had never played rugby league. Now she's a Kiwi Fern international and eyeing a trip to the World Cup in the United Kingdom.

The 20-year-old of Māori and Tongan heritage, started playing the sport to spend more time with her friends, but it wasn't long before her short career picked up pace, catching the eye of representative selectors. 

The young winger's campaign for the Akarana Falcons in the inaugural NZRL National Women's Premiership, which included a stunning 80-metre solo try against Mid Central, saw her called up to the New Zealand squad.

In her first game for the Kiwi Ferns against Fetū Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium in November last year, Vaha'akolo threw the last pass for retiring legend Honey Hireme-Smiler's ninth-minute try and scored a try of her own in the opening minute of the second half. 

It's a memory she still can't quite comprehend.  

"I've always loved sport, it's always been an outlet for me, but I didn't really think that I was capable of getting to that level until I was offered the opportunity," she said. 

"I just feel so privileged. I'm around so many women with so much knowledge and so much experience and I got to play next to Honey... it's not everyday you get to do that." 

And if you thought the name Vaha'akolo sounded familiar, it might be because her older brother Freedom is also making a name for himself, signing with the Highlanders on a short term contract.

"I'm so proud of him, he's so deserving. He's always encouraged me and challenged me to go hard for my goals and he's definitely someone I look up to when it comes to my sport.

"I just love [that] not only do I get to succeed in this, but so do my family...I didn't really talk about [playing] until it came about but I know they're proud of me. They've encouraged me and supported me through every single phase of my life and my sport so I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them."

Vaha'akolo's had a taste of international rugby league and now also played against the world's best women's rugby union players, flying the Tongan flag for Moana Pasifika in their debut appearance at the Takiwhitu Tūturu rugby sevens in Wellington on the weekend. 

Now she's aiming to compete in the Women's Rugby League World Cup in November this year. 

"It's been challenging because it's really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I wasn't used to playing rugby league or contact sport but I've enjoyed being able to be in a space where I can improve and I can go to a higher level than I thought I was capable of."

"[The RLWC] that's my goal, but no matter the result I've taken away so much already. I just want to keep growing and I just want to keep achieving whatever I can to get there."

While Vaha'akolo is achieving dreams on the field she's also kicking goals off it, advocating for mental health and the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori.

Having struggled with mental health throughout her high school years, she's using her social media platforms, known for her health and lifestyle videos, to encourage youth to believe in themselves.

"I'm not a counsellor, I'm not qualified in anything when it comes to mental health and that, but I just like to be an ear. I want to talk about things that young people feel they can resonate with so that they don't feel alone."

"I guess my main goal is to provide a space, especially for Polynesian youth, where there's no expectations, where they're not going to be judged, and a space where they don't feel like they have to act a certain way in order to be accepted."

Vaha'akolo believes there needs to be more services or spaces where young Pasifika women feel safe to talk.

"I don't think there's enough spaces that cater to how we've been brought up. I can't speak on behalf of everyone, but I think there needs to be more, I think we need to do better as a community and as people to provide spaces for young woman where they do feel safe and where they do feel like they can talk about anything. "

"We're getting there, slowly, but I guess that's definitely something that I want in the future for our young people."

Everyday she's reminded of her journey with mental health and how far she's come, inked through the tā moko across her chest; a symbol of healing and growing.

"It basically explains my journey with finding myself and learning to be vulnerable, learning to love myself and what that journey looks like. It's a symbolism of healing, growing and of learning to not letting my insecurities define me or define what I'm capable of."