Junior Sportsman of the Year Ihaka Cate courts international career
A n integral member of the national champion Senior A basketball team, the Senior A volleyball side and captain of the U14A rugby team, Ihaka Cate – College’s 2022 Junior Sportsman of the Year – has reached extraordinary heights in Year 10. The youngest member of College’s premier basketball and volleyball teams, Ihaka continues to defy the age-group odds, having already represented New Zealand in basketball and rugby tournaments overseas. “I have been involved in a variety of sports since I was young, often jumping around codes at primary- school level, and in interhouse competitions at College,” Ihaka explains. “However, I have been really majoring in basketball and rugby in Year 10.” Being the youngest to make the top grade in multiple sports is nothing new for the Somes House student.
“Being so young has taught me to be resilient and strong and also quickly recognise that I still bring something valuable to every game,” he says. Having parents who have represented New Zealand in rugby league and softball, Ihaka has equally strived to make the most of his strengths and leadership skills. “Dad suggested that I switch from league to rugby to give me greater opportunities in New Zealand. My parents had already planted the seeds to achieve and pursue sport at the highest level. They are my idols and inspirations and I aspire to make them proud.” Ihaka first stepped into the international arena as an U12 rugby player for New Zealand, contesting a tournament in Japan. His most recent national appearance was for the New Zealand U15 basketball team at the Oceania Championships in
Guam, with his side finishing 2nd to Australia and earning a spot at the Asia Championships in Japan in 2023. Ihaka only started playing volleyball in Year 9 but soon found himself drafted into the premier team. However, basketball has truly captured his passion for aiming high. “When I started in my first A game as a small forward in Year 10, the team dynamic powered me to a new level,” he says. “Because I was part of such a high- performing team – with players like United States-bound Hunter Adam and Tom Harrison – it made me realise how much better I could be. “I found myself developing quickly, becoming stronger and faster. With coach Ben Sheat leading the way, he provided the mental and physical belief that you could achieve anything. Our first goal was to win the Thomson Trophy
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