Rising Star Elise Gilbert Balances Motherhood and Basketball

Elise Gilbert, a 19-year-old basketball player from New Zealand, is making significant strides in her athletic career while navigating the challenges of motherhood. After becoming a mother at 16, Gilbert has successfully balanced her responsibilities as a parent with her ambitions in sports and education.

In December 2022, Gilbert welcomed her son, Kyzaiah, which transformed her life. She and her partner, Kobe, received strong support from their families, allowing them to pursue their dreams. “We thought hard about if I was going to finish high school. Do we still want to chase our dreams, and our parents pushed us. They said, ‘Do it, we’ve got your backs,’” Gilbert stated. Just two weeks before giving birth, she completed her NCEA Level Two exams.

Since the birth of her son, Gilbert has taken on leadership roles in basketball. She captained the Junior Tall Ferns and is currently in her second season with the Southern Hoiho while studying dentistry at the University of Otago. Her son’s birth ignited a strong drive in her, becoming her motivation to push through obstacles.

Gilbert, standing at 5 feet 9 inches, was introduced to basketball through family friends and had the privilege of being coached by Tall Ferns legend Leanne Walker during her formative years. Her talent was recognized early; she captained the Hamilton Girls High School basketball team and received accolades at the 2023 National Secondary Schools’ Girls’ Basketball Championships, where her team finished third. Furthermore, she was instrumental in the Waikato Basketball system, contributing to national championships in 2019 and 2021, while also finishing as runner-up in 2020 and 2023.

Gilbert’s journey with the Junior Tall Ferns has been marked by significant achievements, including All-Star 5 recognition at the Oceania Championships and participation in the Asia Cup in China in 2024. Although the Kahu approached her to join while still in school, she declined the offer due to her pregnancy.

After graduating high school, Gilbert moved to Dunedin with her partner to pursue health science at the University of Otago. Their initial plans to remain in Waikato shifted when they received acceptance into the program. “We had a big discussion with our families and we told them that we wanted to take the leap and take the hard road,” Gilbert explained. Their families supported their move, with her grandparents assisting in caring for Kyzaiah during the transition.

Reflecting on her arrival in Dunedin, Gilbert expressed gratitude for the welcoming atmosphere. “Everybody is so friendly and welcoming. Within my first week, the girls were inviting me to scrimmages and I was added to group chats,” she said. As the second youngest player on the Hoiho, she has found mentorship in her more experienced teammates, including captain Samara Gallaher and forward Zoe Richards.

Gilbert’s basketball journey did not pause during her pregnancy. She continued to play until halfway through and returned to competitive play just three months postpartum. Her resilience was evident when she participated in the Junior Tall Ferns camp shortly after giving birth. “Three on three is a lot more explosive and involves fast movements, so it was a real shock to my body,” she recalled.

Five months after giving birth, she was selected to attend the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp in Abu Dhabi. This opportunity brought together top high school prospects from Asia and the Middle East, where they received coaching from FIBA and NBA professionals. Although the decision to attend was challenging due to her responsibilities as a new mother, she recognized the unique opportunity it presented.

Gilbert stated, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I had to go. The knowledge I got from a week of playing basketball was insane. Some of the greatest things I’ve learned came from that week.” Following this experience, she was chosen to travel to Atlanta for the NBA Academy Games, where she showcased her skills in front of WNBA and NBA scouts.

Currently, Gilbert balances her time between university studies, training with the Hoiho, and traveling for games. She aspires to establish her own dental practice after graduation, aiming to contribute positively to her community, particularly the Māori population. “I’ve always seen myself on the dentist pathway. It’s something that allows me to give back to my people when I finish,” she noted.

Despite her achievements, Gilbert remains focused on her family, stating, “My main goal is being a great mother and putting him first.” She acknowledges that motherhood has prompted her to mature and consider her future differently. As she progresses in both basketball and her studies, Gilbert continues to draw strength from her experiences and her son, driving her to succeed.

The Southern Hoiho recently secured a notable victory against the Northern Kahu, placing them third in the standings after four rounds. Gilbert’s determination and commitment to her family and career remain evident as she strives for success on and off the court.