Young Mother and Rising Star Elise Gilbert Shines on the Court

Elise Gilbert, a promising young basketball player and dedicated mother, is carving out a unique path following the birth of her son, Kyzaiah. At just 19 years old, she juggles her responsibilities as a student at the University of Otago, a player for the Southern Hoiho, and the role of a mother, demonstrating remarkable resilience and ambition.

In December 2022, Gilbert became a mother at the age of 16, a life-altering event that prompted her and her partner, Kobe, to reassess their aspirations. “We were two years into our relationship at the time and it was quite a big shock. But both our parents were really supportive,” Gilbert recalled. With encouragement from their families, they decided to pursue their dreams while navigating the challenges of parenthood. Just two weeks before giving birth, Gilbert completed her NCEA Level Two exams, showcasing her commitment to education and sport.

From Local Talent to National Recognition

Hailing from Hamilton, New Zealand, the 5-foot-9 guard was introduced to basketball through family and began her journey under the guidance of Tall Ferns legend Leanne Walker. Gilbert’s leadership skills shone early, as she captained the Hamilton Girls High School basketball team and was named to the tournament team at the 2023 National Secondary Schools’ Girls’ Basketball Championships, where her team secured third place.

Her contributions to the Waikato Basketball system were significant, helping the team achieve national championships in both 2019 and 2021 and finishing as runners-up in 2020 and 2023. More recently, Gilbert earned All-Star 5 recognition at the Oceania Championships while representing the Junior Tall Ferns. She also competed in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in June 2024, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star in New Zealand basketball.

Even while still in school, Gilbert received an invitation from the Kahu, a professional team, but chose to focus on her pregnancy and education instead.

New Beginnings in Dunedin

Following her high school graduation, Gilbert and Kobe relocated to Dunedin to pursue health science studies at the University of Otago. Initially planning to remain in Waikato, the couple made the decision to embrace this new opportunity, supported by their families. “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 helped by relocating to Dunedin to assist with childcare for Kyzaiah, who was just one year old at the time.

Upon arriving in Dunedin, Gilbert felt an immediate sense of community. “Everybody is so friendly and welcoming. Within my first week of being here, the girls were inviting me to scrimmages,” she said. As the second youngest player on the Hoiho team, Gilbert has looked up to her more experienced teammates, who have been instrumental in her adjustment to professional basketball.

Samara Gallaher, the Hoiho captain, and Zoe Richards, a forward, have particularly supported Gilbert, helping her acclimatize to the new environment. “Sammy’s like a mother figure in the team, and if I ever need anything, she’s always there to cheer me up,” Gilbert noted. This supportive atmosphere has enabled her to embrace a different coaching style and game strategy, enhancing her development as a player.

A Balancing Act of Family and Basketball

Gilbert’s journey back to competitive basketball began just three months postpartum when she participated in the Secondary Schools 3×3 competition. “Three on three is a lot more explosive and involves fast movements, so it was a real shock to my body,” she admitted. Just five months after giving birth, she was chosen as one of ten young Kiwi prospects for the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp in Abu Dhabi, a prestigious event that brings together top talent from the region.

The opportunity to train with FIBA and NBA coaches was pivotal for her. “It was a tough decision because I was breastfeeding a newborn baby and I didn’t really want to go. But with the support I had, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I had to go,” Gilbert explained. The experience helped her regain confidence and realize her potential on the court.

Gilbert’s commitment to balancing basketball and motherhood has not been without challenges. “Training with a baby and school was tough, but it got me back into a routine, which was good for my mental health,” she shared.

Future Aspirations

As she continues to excel on the court, Gilbert remains focused on her academic and professional aspirations. She envisions opening her own dental practice once she completes her studies, aiming to give back 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 stated.

Moreover, Gilbert has her sights set on representing New Zealand at the highest levels in basketball, aspiring to wear the Tall Ferns jersey in the future. Despite her numerous accolades, Gilbert’s primary motivation remains her son. “My main goal is being a great mother and putting him first. It was a motivator to lock in and grow up,” she reflected.

The Southern Hoiho recently recorded a significant victory against the Northern Kahu, boosting their standings to third place after four rounds. This win marks a promising start to the season, further igniting Gilbert’s ambition on the court and at home.