Taua Puloka, the two-time Northern Nevada 4A player of the year, officially signed her national letter of intent Wednesday with the Wolf Pack women’s basketball team.
A 5-foot-9 combo guard, Puloka began her high school career at Bishop Manogue, leading the team to a Class 4A state title as a sophomore. She transferred to Reed High last year and was named the 4A state player of the year after averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.7 steals per game as a junior.
“First off, all glory to God — none of this happens without Him,” Puloka said in a news release. “I’m beyond blessed to say I’m staying home and signing with Nevada. Thank you to my parents and family for your endless love and sacrifices that helped me get to this point. Huge shout out to my coaches for believing in me, and to my teammates who’ve been through it with me. This one’s for the home team.”
Puloka has played club basketball for Jam On It and Just Believe Sports. Puloka is of Tongan heritage and was a representative for the Tongan national team, playing in the Pacific Games and averaging 15.8 points per game. She was also the first Tongan athlete to participate in the National Basketball Association and International Basketball Federation Basketball Without Borders Asia event. Taua’s father, Junior, played tight end for Nevada football from 2007-2010.
Taua Puloka also was a standout youth football player before focusing on basketball.
“Here at Nevada, we always want to keep local talent home,” Nevada head coach Amanda Levens said in a news release. “Taua brings a scorer’s mentality and passion to represent the Pack. Fans will love having a hometown product to root for.”