SLAM DUNK: Former Western Heights High School senior player Matangiroa Flavell (left) is heading to the United States on a sports and academic scholarship. PHOTO/FILE
SLAM DUNK: Former Western Heights High School senior player Matangiroa Flavell (left) is heading to the United States on a sports and academic scholarship. PHOTO/FILE
Rotorua basketball talent Matangiroa Flavell is aiming to make it big in the United States after securing a full-ride college scholarship.
The former Western Heights High School and Rotorua Reps player is currently playing for her Otago University team in Dunedin.
This week she signed on for a two-year fullscholarship to play basketball and study health science at Midland College in Texas - the former college of elite American basketball players Spud Webb, Ricky Grace and Nathan Jawai.
The talented Te Arawa and Taranaki descendant was "overwhelmed" on receiving the news but said she was excited.
"I was really shocked at first, then when it sank in it was such an amazing feeling," said the 18-year-old.
"It's been very much a waiting game for the decision. I had a few places to choose from but the Texas college has such a high success rate and my whole family loved the coach there which was one of the deciding factors.
"Part of me is scared because it's such a huge move.
"It will be a real culture shock for me, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am ready for new challenges.
"It will be hard leaving family and friends but if I want to be the best I can be this is the best thing to do."
And Flavell, the youngest of five siblings, has full backing from her family for the big move, although her father - Waiariki MP and Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell will be sad to see "the baby of the family" fly the nest.
"I am very proud of her and she has all of our support. But of course I am sad that she will be so far away," he said.
"But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and Matangiroa has to grab it with both hands."
"This has been her dream and now she can live that."
Flavell started playing when she was 5 . The talented youngster has previously been selected for the NZ Maori women's side and aims to make the NZ Tall Ferns team in the future.
And, after the success of Steven Adams, a long-term dream is one day playing in America's WNBA.
