BAYSIDE basketball fans are celebrating one of our own this week as Miela Sowah continues her rise on the world stage, joining the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA.
For locals who watched her grow from a standout school athlete to an international competitor, her latest achievement feels like a shared victory.
Sowah, who grew up in Brisbane and attended Moreton Bay College, has long been known for her work ethic, leadership and trademark positivity.
Those qualities were on full display during the Valkyries’ pre-season, where she delivered a breakout performance with 14 points in 14 minutes.
Her energy immediately caught the attention of the coaching staff.
Valkyries assistant coach Natalie Nakase praised Sowah’s presence, saying: “Do you feel her energy? Do you feel her positivity? She really wants to do whatever it takes to help us win.”
Nakase also highlighted Sowah’s confidence under pressure, noting: “She’s not scared of big moments… that’s what we see every day at practice.”
The team itself celebrated her arrival with a nod to her Brisbane roots, posting: “Bris (Bay)ne just touched down. Miela Sowah has arrived!”
Sowah’s signing also resonates across Brisbane’s wider basketball community, where she first made her mark with Logan Thunder and later earned state level accolades before heading to Duke University.
Her return to the spotlight in the United States is a reminder of the talent emerging from local programs.
