Sport Bay of Plenty Celebrates Pahlyss Hokianga: A Rising Star in Basketball

The exceptional talent and promising future of 16-year-old basketballer Pahlyss Hokianga has been recognised with the Acorn Foundation Christine Tustain Sports Award administered through Sport Bay of Plenty.

Pahlyss is the youngest player to ever wear the Tall Fern’s jersey – having travelled to China in the Olympic Qualification Team in February 2024, as well as on a New Zealand tour to Sacramento in April in the Under 17s squad. Next up is the Under 17s World Championships held in Mexico in July. The scholarship grant will contribute to the financial demands this amount of travel has, and ultimately support Pahlyss on continuing the momentum with her sporting ambitions.

The scholarship is a partnership between Sport Bay of Plenty and the Acorn Foundation which recognises the sporting talent of our region’s junior athletes. Eligibility requirements welcome any young athlete in the Western Bay of Plenty Region aged 16 to under 23 who have achieved national representation in their sport.

When asked about what the scholarship means to her, Pahlyss said, “I aspire to play basketball because I enjoy the process of training and succeeding knowing the work has paid off.”

“Along with traveling and meeting new people, I’m thankful for the opportunities as an athlete and grateful for the support along the way.”

“This scholarship will help me on my next journey to the Basketball World Cup in Mexico, another step to my dream career to play pro basketball around the world and study physiotherapy,” she said.

Pahlyss’ achievements are impressive. She has won the Tauihi Youth Player of the Year, was an inaugural Rapid League All-Star 5 member, and also the Rapid League MVP. She has received her first full ride offer in NCAA at Cal Berkeley and maintains a high GPA level.

However, the achievements come with hard work, and Pahlyss’s journey in basketball has been marked by determination and resilience. Originally from Hastings, she relocated to Tauranga to play for the professional franchise, Whai. Despite the challenges of moving away from her school, friends, and family at just 15, Pahlyss embraced the opportunity, signing an amateur contract to maintain her NCAA eligibility status.

The financial commitment of this move has been significant, with expenses for living, board, food, school fees, and trips. Yet, Pahlyss and her whānau have persevered, enabling her to excel in her sport.

Pahlyss’ parents, Colin and Ngavero, shared their experience supporting Pahlyss’s ambitions, “It’s been a thrilling rollercoaster ride from the travels and tournaments. We’re just very proud parents of her commitments to her achievements living away from home.

“Our whānau would love to thank Acorn Foundation and the Award Sponsor Christine for believing and helping Pahlyss with the financial ease towards her upcoming events.”

Sport Bay of Plenty General Manager Community Sport and Recreation Nick Chambers says the Acorn Foundation Scholarship a way of recognising the outstanding achievements of our young athletes in the region and letting them know we are backing them all the way.

“Sport Bay of Plenty are proud to support Pahlyss Hokianga. A young sportsperson who embodies positivity, humility, and incredible determination. We look forward to seeing her continue to shine on the court, and beyond.”

From the team at Sport Bay of Plenty - Good luck Pahlyss, you will reach great heights!