HONIARA (Solomon Islands) - For Solomon Islands Women’s Player Ruth Slade, basketball has always been more than a game - it is a way to express her pride in her country, and a foundation for future change.
As the Solomon Islands prepare to host the FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup, Ruth stands at the heart of the women’s national team. Not just as a player, but as a role model for the next generation of young female athletes. She’s ready to help the Solomon Islands national women’s team rise, inspire her community, and prove that women’s basketball is here to stay.
After being part of the teams at the FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup 2022 and the FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup 2017, Ruth has proven her power on the court. Now, she’s ready to finish what she started.
“I am so excited, but at the same time nervous because of the short time we have before the Mela Cup starts,” she reveals.
She’s also ready to go up against other women from different nations.
“I am excited to play against PNG, specifically Betty Angula. She is very strong and athletic, and she played in the last two Mela Cups as well. The players from Vanuatu have been absent from the Melanesian Cups and Pacific Games for quite a long time and seeing them coming into the Melanesian Cup this year is exciting.”
As a Basketball For Good coach, Ruth is a mentor to her teammates. She doesn’t just make free throws and nail assists; she leads with her experience and expertise.
“Once a game starts, I rely on the knowledge to help make quick decisions based on the situation, whether to adjust the game play, both defence and offence, or motivate a player,” she says.
For Ruth and the women’s national team, playing at Honiara with their community cheering them on is a moment of cultural pride they will never forget.
It’s an honour to be representing my people and my culture
This is the first time the Solomon Islands are hosting the FIBA Melanesian Cups, and they are ready for it.
Solomon Islands Women’s Team Manager Louisa Murdoch says, “Through this tournament, we hope to learn more, get inspired, and work on where we can improve to be better and greater than we are today.”
Louisa is also passionate about creating a safe space for the women in this national team: “Through me supporting and giving guidance to these girls and young women who dedicate their time and effort to this sport, they're motivated to support each other. As a team, as women, on and off the court, in their communities, and to inspire the younger generation.”
The FIBA Women’s Melanesian Cup will be hosted by the Solomon Islands Basketball Federations in Honiara from October 13 to 18. The event will be supported by the National Sports Council, with the two teams qualifying for the Pacific Games 2027 in Tahiti. All games will be livestreamed via the FIBA YouTube Channel courtesy of TTV Solomons Islands.