Page 10 - Southwell_The Chronicle_December2020

BRITTANY COATES IS
CONQUERING MOUNTAINS
‘When I think about my time attending Southwell School it brings back such great memories. The best memories are the lifelong friendships I made and the endless opportunities to achieve academically, culturally and
on the sports field, with the friendly and supportive teachers, leaders and staff. Being a boarder at Southwell felt like being a part of a family away from home.’
From Matamata to Bordeaux
For Brittany (2005 - 2006) and her three siblings, Braden, Amber and Jade, childhood years were spent on their parents dairy farm in Matamata milking cows and riding motorbikes, with all four, one by one, being sent to Southwell as boarders for their intermediate years.
A natural sportswoman Brittany excelled in all codes she partook in, while her leadership skills were recognised with her being made Head Girl in final year. Brittany then headed off to Matamata College followed by St Peters Cambridge for her final two years of high school.
While studying for a Bachelor of Science Degree with a double major in Human Nutrition and Psychology, Brittany played netball, rugby 15s and 7s at club and regional level in Auckland. Brittany has always been especially proud of her Fijian heritage, with her father being born and raised there. In 2014 she joined the Fijian women’s sevens team, making her debut at the Dubai 7s then proceeded to play on the world circuit for a two further years while also being part of the Fijian Women’s 7s Olympic Training Squad.
Three years ago, Brittany’s older brother, Braden was tragically paralysed in a freak accident while playing
rugby. Having always had a close relationship with Braden, Brittany found moving to France, for her husband, Seta Tamanivalu’s professional rugby contract, heart wrenching, being so far from home and family during this difficult time.
Wanting to prove to Braden that no matter the distance, she was always with him on his challenging journey, Brittany leapt at the opportunity to take on the Gran Paradiso challenge, climbing Italy’s highest peak of 4,061metres, in Italy’s Gran Paradiso National Park.
This was not only a physical, but also an emotional challenge for Brittany. A high level of fitness was required, though she knew that whenever the climb got tough thinking of her brother and his resilience and determination would get her through.
During the week while extending herself, through exploration and adventure Brittany also managed to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries and raise funds for the Millimeters to Mountains Foundation, a charity that helps people re-define their own limitations.
While the stunning Bordeaux region of France is currently home for Brittany and Seta, along with their son, 2 1⁄2 year old son Ricky, they are in the process of relocating closer to home to Japan where Seta will continue his rugby career and Brittany, we’re sure, will find more challenges to conquer!