Logan netball champion Hulita Veve reveals how family inspired her return to the QUT Wildcats

Logan City netball champion Hulita Veve (nee Haukinima) has reflected on how her family inspired her to return to the sport and how she grew into leading the Sapphire Series winning QUT Wildcats in 2019.

Logan City netball champion Hulita Veve (nee Haukinima) has reflected on how her family inspired her to return to the sport and how she grew into leading the Sapphire Series winning QUT Wildcats in 2019.

The mother of two was a member of the title winning Firebirds squad in 2016, but then had two years away from the sport to start a family.

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During that time she also lost her inspirational father and as a result had to rediscover the drive to return to netball.

“I had a rough patch (in 2018) with my dad passing away and I lost the love of the game as he was my biggest support and motivation.

“I felt like I didn’t need to play anymore.

Northern Rays Zoe McIntyre tries to intercept the ball from Brisbane South Wildcat's Hulita Veve during last season.

“But after having my second child and a huge amount of support from my husband Jerome, I finally found my love for the sport again.

“My reason why (I play) is now my husband and two boys Jakiah and Jeremiah.’’

LYNCH PRAISES HULITA’S LEADERSHIP

So impressive was Veve’s return that she has aspirations to again play for the Firebirds.

“I definitely aspire to play at the top level and a goal of mine is to make Firebirds again. In the firebirds system I learnt loads,’’ the Marsden SHS alumni said.

“I learnt so much from Rose, Jeno and the girls just in one year and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to wear the purple.’’

Veve said she thoroughly enjoyed being Wildcats leader last season.

“I’ve always loved being a leader but it has definitely grown on me each year,’’ she said, reflecting on the benefits of being captained by Firebirds great Laura Geitz.

“I learnt a lot from her from a leadership prospective and after having two kids, I think I’ve just learnt a lot about caring for other people in and out of sport.

“Being able to captain my Wildcats team was such an honour. I think I became the mum of the group and I just really enjoy being a leader and being able to help out.’’