Badminton Fiji is grieving the loss of Alissa Dean, a respected national representative, valued teammate, and a deeply admired member of the badminton community.

Her career reflected years of dedication, quiet resilience, and unwavering commitment to representing Fiji.

She competed at two Commonwealth Games, first at Melbourne in 2006 and later making a remarkable return at the Gold Coast in 2018.

That comeback highlighted her passion for the sport and her readiness to step forward whenever her country called.

In 2018, she contributed to Fiji’s women’s team success at the Badminton Oceania Championships, where they secured a bronze medal.

Beyond the result, her experience and composed leadership played a key role in guiding a rebuilding team, helping to strengthen unity and restore confidence.

Her influence continued into the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa, where she was part of the mixed team that secured gold, ending a 16-year wait for the title.

The achievement marked a proud moment for Fiji and built on earlier successes, including the gold medal performance in Suva in 2003 and a silver medal finish in New Caledonia; both milestones she was connected to during her career.

However, those closest to her remember Alissa not just for her achievements on the court, but for the person she was beyond competition.