In the heart of Tokoroa, a small logging town nestled in New Zealand, a young Shontelle Stowers ran wild and free. "Every single day after school," she recalls, "you would either go to the basketball court, grab the bikes, grab a footy ball, and you will be outside from the time that school finished until it was dinner time and you had to go home or until it was getting dark."
It was in this lively, sports-loving community that Shontelle's journey began, a journey that would take her from local fields to international stages, across multiple codes, and into the hearts of many.
Shontelle's story isn't just about athletic prowess; it's about the spirit of a woman deeply connected to her roots, her heritage, and her inner strength. Born to a Samoan father and a Scottish-English mother, she grew up surrounded by a rich tapestry of cultures. "My background is Samoan, Scottish English," she shares, her voice filled with pride. "And my father is Samoan and comes from the village of Magia." This heritage would become a cornerstone of her identity and a driving force in her career.
A Town That Makes Athletes
Tokoroa, she explains, was a breeding ground for athletic talent. Names like Honey Hireme-Smiler, Joey Manu, and Amy Turner echoed through the town, inspiring young athletes like Shontelle. "There are a lot of really quality professional athletes that have come out of my small town, which I'm really proud of," she says. "And I would definitely attribute a lot of their success to the teachers and community that we have in Tokoroa."
Amy Turner, in particular, stood out. "She was heavily involved in developing touch football and rugby league in Tokoroa and New Zealand," Shontelle explains, her admiration evident. "She progressed into the Olympic sevens team for Australia and went to the Olympics."
Four Codes, One Athlete
Shontelle's own athletic journey is a testament to her versatility and resilience. From basketball and netball to touch rugby, rugby union, and rugby league, she excelled in every arena. "I had played representative basketball, netball," she says, "I've represented New Zealand in touch as well at high school."
Rugby union, however, felt like a natural fit. "It just came a lot easier to me," she admits. "I felt comfortable because I had two older brothers and we would just play quite rough in the backyard."
Transitioning from union to league was a challenge, but one she embraced. "People think that you can just transition from contact sport to contact sport, but the nuances are hugely different," she explains. "I had to get used to wrestling. That wasn't one of my strong points coming from rugby union."
When asked about her preference, she says, "In my younger years, sevens would be what I choose every day. I just love the speed of it, the athleticism...moving into rugby league, I really appreciated the change in the skills." For her American audience, she simplifies it: "Union is free-flowing. You get to hold on to the ball until you lose it...rugby league is you get six tackles and then it's hand over."
Moana Wairua
Beyond her athletic achievements, Shontelle is deeply passionate about wellness and mental health. She founded "Moana Wairua," a brand focused on working 1:1 with athletes to help build trust, confidence and leadership of self.
"Moana (samoan) is a universal word for ocean, which I believe is a powerful healing element and connection to my heritage and linage," she explains, "and Wairua is a Māori word. It's the spirit and soul, the non physical part of us and the essence of who we are." "In New Zealand Maori the indigenouse language is embeded in everything and have aways been very proud of it."
She believes that "everything that's happening in your life is a reflection of what's going on the inside." Her biggest wellness tip? "Just making sure that you create the space often to check in with yourself and understand how you're feeling and do the things that move you towards the way you want to feel."
Shontelle's involvement extends beyond the field. She does commentary for NRLW, adding her insightful voice to the game. She cherishes seeing "our people and women in the media space," including her good friend Tiana Penitani. It's incredibly inspirational to watch her do her thing. In fact, Shontelle was the first Pasifika person to go on NRL.com and do a weekly wrap-up using Pacific language (Māori/Samoan), a moment of immense pride.
Representing Samoa
Her Samoan heritage is a strong source of strength.
"That's the piece that brings a bubble to my throat and shivers to my body every single time someone asks me about my culture."
She says, her voice filled with emotion. "The more faces that I see out there who are successful and that look like mine just brings me joy." Representing Samoa is her proudest moment ever. "Nothing hits harder than representing your roots and heritage," she affirms. Recently, she was a part of the Samoan squad that qualified for the World Cup in October with the Fetu Samoa team, a testament to her unwavering dedication.
She emphasizes the importance of community and taking everyone with you. "There is enough room at the top for everybody, and we take everybody with us," she says. "If you do get to the top on your own, it's a very lonely place."
As for the future of women in sports, Shontelle is optimistic. "Whatever we have to contribute to the game, whether it's operational, where it's front-facing commentary TV, where it's being the athlete itself," she says, "we have incredible power. So if there's anything that you want to do, go and do it. Don't sit and wait."
Her advice to young athletes is simple yet powerful: "Know your worth and your power because it is truly limitless." A crucial reminder she adds is, "Kindness is important. Always be kind."
Say What You Mean
Looking back, Shontelle wishes she had embraced her own wellness journey earlier. "I wish I had a space like Moana there that I could lean on, that I could get knowledge and support, that I could draw confidence, that I could trust," she reflects.
One piece of advice she lives by? "Say what you mean, do what you say," she states with conviction. "It means to have integrity when you speak and alignment in your words and your actions."
Shontelle Stowers' story is not just about athletic achievement; it's about the power of community, the strength of heritage, the importance of inner well-being, and the strong impact of kindness. It's a story that inspires, uplifts, and reminds us to always stay true to ourselves and to lift others as we rise.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, April 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 4).
April 2025 · Digital Magazine
