PAGO PAGO (American Samoa) - The American Samoa Women’s National Team will arrive in Tahiti with a renewed identity and a roster that reflects both the programs history and its future. After winning the Pacific Games in 2019 and finishing fourth at the FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup in 2022, the team enters this year’s tournament with a fresh blend of young talent and experienced leadership.
Assistant Coach Falaileato Suiaunoa brings significant experience to the programme, including time coaching in the NCAA with the Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Her background in the collegiate system has shaped her approach to player development, preparation and team culture, giving American Samoa a valuable perspective as it continues to build its women’s pathway.
“Our program has many new young talented players along with a diverse group of older mature players with collegiate experience,” she said. “We have been working towards developing stronger fundamental skills and adding athleticism to our roster.”
The lessons from the FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup in 2022, have shaped much of the team’s preparation for Tahiti. Suiaunoa noted that conditioning, fundamentals and team concepts have been major priorities.
This year’s squad includes five players stepping into their first international competition, bringing youthful energy and competitiveness to the group.
“We love the tenacity of our young players and they have a strong spirit of fun mixed with competitiveness,” she said. The more experienced athletes are expected to guide them through the demands of international play.
Preparation has taken place across different environments, with local players training consistently on island and others working independently abroad. Access to school facilities and even outdoor parks has kept the group active.
“We are grateful to have access to our Department of Education school facilities and even local parks when facilities are not available,” Suiaunoa said. “We want to be tough and disciplined defensively and organised and aggressive on offense.”
The team’s identity will be anchored in cohesion, discipline and a collective approach on both ends of the floor. The staff hopes to dictate games through structure, energy and connection.
Beyond results, the team carries a deeper mission, inspiring the next generation of girls in American Samoa and strengthening the pathway for young athletes.
Our goal and objective is to create, develop and grow girls basketball on the island. We hope our youth see the heart, hustle and persistent warrior spirit of the Samoan culture in our players and aspire to be one in the future.
“Our players hope to inspire the next generation by showing our youth what strong, hard working, respectable female athletes look like and remind them that anything is possible with faith, determination and family."
Women's teams from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Guam, Papua New Guinea, and Tahiti (host) have already qualified for the Pacific Games 2027, with the top two placed teams at the FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup 2026 to also secure their spot.
The 2026 editions of the FIBA Polynesian Cup and FIBA Women's Polynesian Cup will tip-off on October 19 to 24 from Toahotu.