Donna Lavea,a sophomore transfer from Christchurch, New Zealand, says she has been dealt a few bad cards in life, but being at Lambuth and a part of the Basketball program and family has proven to be one of the greatest blessings in her life.  She also says that he trys to live her life with this quote by Anon in mind: “Make the World your Oyster, so everyday is a Pearl."

 

In Christchurch, New Zealand, Donna developed a reputation for being a strong and skilled post. During her senior year of high school she led basketball powerhouse Middleton Grange to their first ever national tournament appearance. She also represented Canterbury at the national level and was a strong contributor. In 2004, Lavea was involved in the Junior New Zealand National program and has aspirations of representing New Zealand at the Olympics in the future. Lavea has one brother and one sister, Fred and Daisy; both reside in Christchurch, New Zealand. She comes to Lambuth from Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas.

 

For Lavea, everyday is a battle with homesickness, missing the New Zealand way of doing things, such as the way people talk and the fact that in New Zealand, drivers drive on the other side of the road. She, and her stomach, also misses deeply her mother's traditional Samoan cooking.

 

Lavea says: "Although I miss my siblings, Fred 16, Daisy 23, I have met some good people whom I can easily call my brother or sister. Being in America has taught me to be proud of my country, my heritage, and that is the driving force that allows me to turn what could be an ugly oyster of a day in to a blessing in disguise, my pearls are influenced by God, My Family and of course for the 'Love of the Game.'"