Name (rugby nickname): Frieda Fetuu ("Free")
Hometown: San Bruno, CA / Riverton, UT raised back and forth.
Position(s) played: Lock, Flank, Eight, Centre……Wing (in my dreams)
All Blues since: 2014
How did you find out about us (i.e. what/who got you to come to your first AB practice?) My family ran the Sacramento Amazons (Uncle Fesi Green and Aunt Leka Green). When I went out there to train with them for a summer, we went to a tournament in Reno- that was my first encounter with the All Blues. Everyone would always talk about how tough and strong the All Blues played, but in my young mind I was thinking, “Oh yeah?, well bring it on then!”. That was the day they broke my legs…. haha just kidding, anyways, they played incredibly well and disciplined; with much HEART! Even though they whooped my little ass, I fell in love with the way they played--much passion and sisterhood--it reminded me of the way my own family played with each other.
I didn’t much think to play with the All Blues until I met Irene Gardner in Cancun, Mexico. We played Tiger sevens together and I had a chance to get a good chat in with her. I told her I used to live in the bay with my pops and she told me to go try the All Blues out. So I emailed the All Blues and made my move back to the Bay. How did you first start playing rugby? What got you into it? I grew up with rugby watching all my uncles and aunties play. In my high school years I had no clue Utah had a girls team until a close friend of mine, Daniela Pernia, dragged me to practice. That’s where I met my rugby parents Olive Ahotaeiloa and David Shelledy. They got me in the mix and made me the player I am today as well as my Amazon Fam. Do you have a philosophy/mindset when you practice and play rugby? How do you get into “the zone”? My philosophy is very simple: 1. Don’t worry about how the other team will do, worry about our own game. 2. Slap on some good music and get ya groove on to shake the jitters off. 3. Say "wassup" to all my sisters I’m 'bouta go to war with and get a couple laughs in before warm ups. Make sure everybody's cool and ready. 4. Think of my 2 little babies. Melrose and Amaiah. Right before the game: Calm all the nerves in my body, take a good look at my sisters and let em know, “I got you regardless of what happens in this game”, and the most important part: Hug each and everyone of my sisters to spread the love. (Haha I KNOW, it’s corny.)
What is your best memory, thus far, as an All Blue? What do you like most about being on this team? That I remember?? ummmm, let’s see…. haha j/k I loved every moment being an All Blue, but I would have to say my favorite moment is our win in Nationals against D.C. Furies. We had a TOUGH season, but we pushed through it TOGETHER. In the end it paid off with a win. That was also Phoebe’s last game so it meant more than just a win to us all. Is there a particular player and/or coach that have influenced your development as a player? In what way(s) did they help you? Numerous people have made me the player I am today. There’s no particular person because I appreciate everything everyone has ever done for me to make me the player I am today. Whether it be big or small, each of them made an impact. What is the best advice you have ever received about playing rugby? Enjoy the game and ALWAYS stay humble.
Favorite pump-up song(s)? Bay Area Hyphy Music, RnB, Whitney Houston, Eagles and of course the All Blues theme song 2016 TOE TAGS AND BODY BAGS! …and a bit of KPOP. What is your favorite non-rugby activity? Hiking, Biking, Fitness…… hahaha PSYKE! Chilling with family and Jam sessions. When are you releasing your latest album? Where can we get a copy? This Christmas. ‘Bouta be straight FIIIRE! Find it at your local laundromats near you. Get it for only two 40 Oz O.E.’s and a number 5 from Jack in the Box.
Who’s your favorite rugby player/team to watch? Finau Maka and of course TONGA! Do you have any advice on how to be social when playing other teams? You’re so good at this! Just be yourself and if they don’t like it stiff arm them in the eyeballs. Haha JK, but for real just be yourself and enjoy the company around you. Crack a couple jokes.