Heritage College student Madison has been selected to play at the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship Qualifiers in Amman, Jordan in June 2022.

While playing for local domestic and rep teams, Madison was chosen to represent Samoa at the Asia Championship Qualifiers.

Head Coach for the U16 Samoan team, Lisa Hogben, says Madison plays locally at the Victorian championship level which puts her in good stead.

“That in itself speaks volumes of her ability to play the sport,” she says.

Playing since she was nine years of age, Madison’s weekly schedule leaves little room for other interests, with Thursdays the only day during the week where playing or training duties are not scheduled.

Despite the training schedule and commitment, Madison says that being selected still feels surreal.

“I am just really excited to go out there and play and represent my country”, she says.

Madison has her sights firmly set on reaching the heights of professional basketball. While her main goal is to demonstrate her ability in Jordan, it is also an opportunity as a player to be under the watchful eye of international coaches in attendance.

“I would like to get recognised by some of the coaches from other countries”, she says.

Looking further ahead, Madison ultimately has her sights set on playing for the Los Angeles Sparks.

“My big goal though is to make it to the WNBA,” she says.

If the team qualifies during this tournament, the U16 girls' team will head to the World Cup next year to compete. Madison’s team will be competing against other teams in the competition from Syria, Indonesia and the Philippines.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to receive funds to support Madison on her journey internationally to compete.