Isla Webster and Sua Te-Whetu Lomi have just filled their summer holidays.

The Trident High School pair have been selected in the New Zealand under-18 beach volleyball squads.

Isla is part of the under-18 girls’ set-up, while Sua is in the boys’ under-18 team.

It’s deserved recognition for the pair, who have been outstanding on both the hard court and sand. They are both honoured to have made the team.

“I’m really grateful and excited for this opportunity, especially since I didn’t fully expect to make the team,” said Isla.

“Because of that, I’m even more motivated to make the most of it. I want to step up, learn as much as I can, and really prove that I deserve this spot.

“I’m ready to give my best and take advantage of everything this experience offers.”

She said it would be an incredible opportunity to be part of a New Zealand set-up.

“While of course I went to the trial with hopes of making the team, I saw a more realistic opportunity of going to the trial with the intent of taking in as much as I could from the New Zealand coaches and the whole day’s training. I saw it as an opportunity to get some more reps, with great coaches, great players, and a chance to learn as much as I can.”

Sua sees it as an opportunity to progress his volleyball.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to potentially represent my country. Being given this opportunity is very surreal and I’m really grateful for it.

“It’s a chance to represent more than myself but a larger group of Tokelauan and Māori people.

“I hope to make the most of this great opportunity and grow my skills, communication and make connections with greater coaches for my benefit.

“I also hope that this inspires my family and other kids with Māori and Pasifika backgrounds to not fall for propaganda and search around for sports that create a spark for them, as I did.”

It has been a relatively successful season for the pair overall.

“The volleyball season has had its ups and downs, previously winning division four with my school team at national’s and coming second in u17 IPC representing the Bay of Plenty and getting in the tournament team,” Sua said.

“Playing my first club season with the East Coast Old Boys A team was a highlight of my volleyball career and being able to go to Japan with my school Trident team.”

Isla was happy with her season.

“My recent indoor volleyball season went really well. With the help of great coaches, Maia Westrupp and Kalani Ruri, as a school team we were able to place second at the Bay of Plenty Secondary School Championships and seventh at school nationals, which has been a school highlight.

“Since then, I have also played for East Coast Navy in club season and IPC U17.

“At the start of the year (last beach season), we finished fourth in New Zealand at the under-17 IPC competition. Although the beach season has just started, so far it’s been great.

“Playing alongside my best friend in the sun is definitely one of my favourite things to do in summer.”

The pair are both hoping to put their best foot forward when they play for New Zealand, with one eye on the Youth Olympics and Asia Championships, for which squads have yet to be selected.