Azzy: Whatcom bound, NCAA focused

From the CNMI to Washington state, multi-sport athlete Azriel “Azzy” Fatialofa is looking forward to college basketball, elevating her game, and eventually returning home to represent the islands again.

She and her family are relocating to the mainland tomorrow, Saturday, July 11, with the Saipan Southern High School Class of 2026 graduate committed to Washington state’s Whatcom Community College, where she plans to study either psychology or physical therapy.

The 18-year-old said her coach at Whatcom runs a development program, which Fatialofa hopes to improve her game there and eventually get scouted to an NCAA Division III or even Division I basketball program.

With the big move ahead, Fatialofa said she has been feeling a mix of emotions. As the only one among her sisters who was born and raised on Saipan, she admitted she has some nerves about leaving home.

“I would say with the nerves, I’m also really excited for new opportunities and just to help improve my basketball skills,” she said. “I’m also not that sad because, of course, I can always come back the following summer. I still plan to represent our islands in upcoming competitions and come back for the friends and family that I have here.”

Sports have been part of Azzy’s life since she was young. Because of her height, she was encouraged to play sports, but basketball became her passion after joining the CNMI women’s national basketball team at just 12 or 13 years old.

Since then, she has represented the NMI in both basketball and volleyball, competing in Guam, then the Marshall Islands during the 2024 Micro Games for basketball, and in Palau during the 2025 Pacific Mini Games for volleyball. She said those opportunities helped her grow both on and off the court. “I’m grateful just to be able to make these teams and to travel to all these places that I’ve never been to before, and to be able to represent the island as well,” she said.

Fatialofa was also named the Female Athlete Award recipient for her graduating class after helping lead Saipan Southern High School’s basketball team to a three-peat championship. She was also part of the school’s volleyball, track and field, va’a, and soccer teams.

As she begins this next chapter, Azzy hopes other young athletes from the CNMI will not be afraid to pursue opportunities away from home. She said coming from a small island is something to be proud of. “There’s always different paths for you to take. Just be proud of where you come from. Don’t be afraid if there are changes, and just seize every opportunity that is there and set out for you.”