27-year-old rugby football player Shanice Parker is looking forward to showing what she can do in the 2023 Pacific Cup final. She’ll be one of the primary strike weapons for the Kiwi Ferns at Western Sydney Stadium. For Parker, this opportunity is about more than just playing a game. It serves as a physical emblem for her path toward self-actualization and further roots in her Maori culture. At 11 Parker found her biological father, Robin. This jarring revelation gave her the “missing piece” she had always known was missing in her life.
Parker’s road to this moment has definitely been influenced by her one-of-a-kind family upbringing. Growing up in Perth with her mother’s partner, who she describes as “an awesome guy,” she has two positive male influencers in her life. Her mother represented the Jillaroos, Australia’s national women’s rugby league team, during the inaugural World Cup in 2000. Wendy has been an immeasurably positive force in her development and athletic path.
Embracing Heritage and Identity
After finding her biological father through a family friend, Parker was able to get in touch with Robin a few years later. This important time freed her to explore her Maori roots and culture as much as she wanted. She reflects on this experience, saying, “Once I met my dad, it was just a feeling. Even just being in these Test camps and being around the girls, we all kind of have the same culture.”
Parker is well aware of the deeply transformative effect that finding her family history has had on her identity. She states, “It’s just crazy the role that your DNA and characteristics and stuff can play even with identity and sense of self.” This deepened relationship has intensified her fire to be a proud representative of New Zealand on the rugby pitch.
She’s established powerful cultural connections with her dad’s side of the family. These connections only serve to deepen her commitment to her sport. “The culture and the connection, that’s what really has drawn me to representing all my father’s side,” she explains. Whether it’s advocating for coupled settlement or her energy in the jersey, Te Ao’s ability to connect with her heritage shines through.
Representing Both Worlds
Parker’s mixed roots have prepared her—I’d argue better than any of her predecessors—for a thoughtful approach to representation. She considers herself extremely lucky to have been shaped by her biological kiwi father. She values the leadership of the father figure who raised her—in Perth, built around the most beautiful river. “It means I have the best of both worlds,” she shares, indicating her appreciation for having diverse influences in her life.
Now, as she prepares for the Pacific Cup final, Parker is fueled by determination. She wants to pay tribute to each side of her family, American & Chinese, with her performance. “I definitely honour her when I go out there, too. I try and bring a bit of what she gave to me,” she says, referring to her mother’s legacy in rugby.
It’s with this mix of perspectives that Parker steps onto the court this season re-invigorated. No matter what, her journey is what’s made her the phenomenal athlete she is. It has enriched her exploration of identity and belonging. This decision to play for the Kiwi Ferns represents the biggest life milestone for Parker. It gives her freedom to express a side of herself that previously felt unfulfilled.
A Future Bright with Promise
Connecticut’s Shanice Parker is eager for her chance to shine on the world’s biggest stage. Her fierce spirit, optimism, and perseverance don’t just speak to her dedication to the sport of rugby but resonantly convey her personal journey of self-discovery. With her family’s encouragement fueling her commitment, she already knows that when she steps onto the field, she’ll be proudly wearing her black jersey.
