Team Marianas’ Kaia Travilla brings the ball past half court during a game in the Pokka Cup 2024 at the Ada gym.
KAIA Travilla, the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation’s social media content coordinator, was awarded a social media scholarship by the international federation or FIBA and ABC International Development Program following the conclusion of the eight-week long Women In News and Sports program on Wednesday.
“It feels really great to be receiving the scholarship,” she said. “This will be a great opportunity as I will be given the tools and resources to learn about creating engaging content and analyzing social media presence. I’ll take what I learn and apply it while gaining more experience in the world of sports and media for the CNMI.”
The 18-year-old CNMI women’s national basketball player entered the program during the last week of April.
“I wanted to get better understanding of sports on social media. It was a great opportunity to learn more about how to create content, have a social media presence, and provide engagement for the federation so it can showcase the athletes and basketball in the CNMI,” she said.
The program focused on two important factors for FIBA’s strategic plan: empowering national federations and women in basketball.
Nearly a year ago, Travilla took charge of the NMIBF’s social media presence. “I decided to take on this role because I felt like sports in the CNMI was not getting the attention and media coverage that it deserved. Social media is a great way to promote…basketball and celebrate its athletes. I wanted to help the federation go in that direction.”
NMIBF President James Lee also believes that social media will help propel the federation forward. “Our objective is to grow the sport and with modern-day technology, we know the best way to get the message out and grow the popularity aside from our local media partners is through social media,” Lee said. “We needed someone that has a passion for basketball and also knows how to connect with the audience through social media and Kaia is perfect for the job.”
Travilla manages the federation’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, updating content and connecting with the public.
Lee said the opportunity that FIBA has provided Travilla “is great news for her as well as for the CNMI.”
In September, as part of her scholarship, Travilla will travel to Australia and work with a mentor for a FIBA event.
Team Marianas’ Kaia Travilla attempts to drive past a defender during a game in the Pokka Cup 2024 at the Ada gym.
