Mariafe Artacho del Solar came to Australia aged 11 when her family relocated here from Peru.
She had already discovered indoor volleyball back in her native country, but it was in Australia that she discovered her love for beach volleyball.
Her mother has since returned to South America, but the pair has agreed to reunite if Mariafe makes the Commonwealth Games team for next April's event on the Gold Coast.
"When she left I didn't know when we would see each other again, so we set a goal. We said see you in April," she told SBS News.
If they follow through with their pledge, it will also give her Auntie Carmen the chance to see her in action for her country after she missed Mariafe's Olympic debut at the Rio Games.
The Manly Volleyfest could help Mariafe onto the Commonwealth Games team. Source: SBS
Carmen told SBS News how tough Mariafe's mother Isabel is finding it, to be apart from her daughter.
"She's missing her terribly. She told me on the phone you have no idea how much I want to be there."
If her recent form is anything to go by, the family reunion on the Gold Coast is likely.
Combined with playing partner Taliqua Clancy, they have formed a successful team - already winning three gold medals on the World Beach Volleyball Tour this year.
