Having spent most of the past six years overseas Chavannah Paalvast has relished being back in her hometown attending the Tall Ferns trial.
“The selection camp was great, it’s good to learn off other players as well as the coaches. Watching Micaela (Cocks) and the other experienced players really helps you implement the things you see and want to bring into your own game.”
The former Waitakere Basketball and Massey High School standout spent five years at Monmouth University in New Jersey graduating with a Psychology degree before adding a Masters in Business.
She thoroughly enjoyed her time at Monmouth. In her senior year she averaged 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game and became just the 17th player to score over 1,000 points for the Hawks.
“I loved it, I miss it, hard work though”
Paalvast is currently furthering her basketball education in Melbourne playing for Southern Peninsula Sharks in the Big V League. Playing in a competitive Australian competition is one thing but stepping out on the international stage will be a special challenge.
“It would be an honour to wear the Silver Fern it would be wonderful to get the opportunity to represent the country. Everyone wants to play at the highest level they can, so this is great’’
The 24 year old small forward is desperate to make the team that will attend the William Jones Cup in Taiwan next week. Paalvast. Canterbury centre Tessa Boagni and Hutt Valley’s Jacinta Beckley are the only uncapped players in the squad.
Coach Kennedy Kereama is expected to trim the 14 member group down to 12 later this week.
