My name is Carter Rick Ahoakotau Hopoi. I am 18 years old and have just graduated as a Senior from Mount Maunganui College in Tauranga, New Zealand. My whakapapa (where I come from) and culture is very important to me. I am Tongan, Cook Island Māori, New Zealand Māori, European and Croatian. Family means everything to me and without them I wouldn’t be as grounded and humble as I am. Along with my strong family network, this has set me up with a strong sense of values. Sport is a huge part of my values system, and I have played and excelled in Football, Cricket, Volleyball, Athletics and Basketball. However, Basketball is my chosen sport and I would like to pursue my dream of playing College Basketball in the USA. If I am able to achieve this goal, I know that the world opens up for me and there is no limit on how far I can take my basketball career. Importantly, I am a high achieving academic student, who excels in Mathematics, Physics, English and Physical Education. I take my academic studies seriously and have achieved mostly Excellence grades in the New Zealand education system. I have been able to do this as well as juggle all of my sporting commitments, which are many. I am also well travelled, having spent time in a variety of other countries on basketball trips and on family trips. I am so thankful for the upbringing I have had in our amazing country, especially having lived by the ocean for the past 8 years, but I am ready to spread my wings and see what opportunities await me.