Women’s Basketball’s Kayla Manuirirangi Invited to Try Out for New Zealand National Team
Jun 5, 2017 | Women's Basketball
Marks first try out with senior national team
NEW ORLEANS – While summer work outs have already begun on the Uptown campus for the Tulane women's basketball team, there has been one noticeable absence in rising sophomore Kayla Manuirirangi. The New Zealand native received an invite to attend tryouts for her national team this week in Auckland, as the Tall Ferns selection camp takes place June 6-12.
"Firstly, it's a huge honor to get an opportunity to go up against the best players from New Zealand," Manuirirangi said. "I've got nothing to lose and want to learn as much as I can and grow as a player. I am excited to use what I've learned at Tulane at this tryout and have confidence in knowing I've overcome a lot of challenges in my freshman year. The coaches and my Tulane teammates are really supportive of me too, which helps a lot."
Manuirirangi has previously spent some time on the junior national scene. Dating as far back as 2012, the sophomore made the U16 squad, then proceeded to captain the U17 team in 2013 and the U18 squad in 2014. Later that year, Manu earned some experience playing with the Junior Tall Ferns (U19) before her transition to New Orleans.
In her freshman season with Tulane, Manuirirangi scored in 15-of-27 appearances, averaging 6.3 minutes per game off the bench.
Be sure to follow Tulane on Twitter, @GreenWaveWBB, for further updates on Manuirirangi's tryout.
