UR Student highlights the power of sports in building team spirit, hard work, and triumph

Fruit Gatesi is a student poised to graduate from the College of Business and Economics, where she pursued Applied Statistics with a specialization in Actuarial Science. Beyond her academic achievements, Gatesi’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of sports.

Fruit Gatesi’s story is a shining example of how passion, discipline, and resilience can shape not only a student’s journey but also their future

Her love for volleyball began back in Primary 5, long before she fully understood the game. She explored many sports ; handball, football, and basketball ; but volleyball stole her heart.

“I used to ask my parents for permission to attend different matches every weekend,” she recalls, adding that her parents encouraged her to focus on one sport, and once she tried volleyball, she enjoyed it the most.

“I was inspired by the joy of teamwork and the opportunities it created,” She noted.
That choice became a turning point. Sports didn’t just bring excitement ; it became a pathway to resilience and success. Volleyball helped cover her school fees, built lifelong friendships, and shaped her into a disciplined and focused individual.

“Through sports, I learned time management, teamwork, and determination ; skills that continue to impact both my academic journey and personal life,” she says with pride.

Her hard work and team spirit eventually earned her to be the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. For Gatesi, the recognition wasn’t about personal glory.

“What contributed most to being named MVP was consistency, hard work, and always giving my best for the team rather than focusing on individual success. I fought to maintain team spirit until the last goal,” she said.

Looking ahead, Gatesi hopes more students will embrace sports as she did. Her message is simple but powerful.

“I encourage fellow students to join sports, not just for fitness, but also for personal growth, friendships, and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.” She advised.

Fruit Gatesi’s story is a shining example of how passion, discipline, and resilience can shape not only a student’s journey but also their future.

Gatesi with her team mates and coaching staff