Young Baller Elise Gilbert Balances Motherhood and Basketball Success

Elise Gilbert, a 19-year-old basketball player from Hamilton, has rapidly emerged as a promising athlete while navigating the challenges of motherhood. After becoming pregnant at 16, she embraced the role of a mother to her son, Kyzaiah, and continued to pursue her dreams in basketball and academics. With the unwavering support of her partner, Kobe, and their families, Gilbert’s journey exemplifies determination and resilience.

In December 2022, Gilbert’s life took a significant turn as she faced the realities of impending parenthood. “It was quite a big shock,” she recalled. “But both our parents were really supportive. They said, ‘Do it, we’ve got your backs.’” Just two weeks before giving birth, Gilbert managed to sit for her NCEA level two exams, demonstrating her commitment to education despite the unexpected changes in her life.

Since becoming a mother, Gilbert has not only captained the Junior Tall Ferns but is also playing her second season with the Southern Hoiho while studying dentistry at the University of Otago. “When I got pregnant, it was a big shock, but I thought I could either crumble or challenge myself to achieve my goals,” she said. Her son has become her primary motivation, driving her to excel on and off the court.

Gilbert’s basketball journey began through family connections, receiving guidance from Leanne Walker, a former Tall Ferns player. She quickly showcased her leadership abilities as captain of her high school team, earning recognition at the 2023 National Secondary Schools’ Girls’ Basketball Championships, where her team finished third. Additionally, she played a vital role in helping Waikato Basketball secure national championships in both 2019 and 2021.

In June 2024, Gilbert represented New Zealand during the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China, showcasing her talent on an international stage. Despite being approached by the Kahu to play while still in school, she opted to focus on her pregnancy.

After completing high school, Gilbert and Kobe made the decision to relocate to Dunedin to pursue their studies. Initially set on remaining in Waikato, their acceptance into health science programs prompted a significant change. “We had a big discussion with our families and decided to take the leap,” she explained. With family support, they moved to Dunedin, where her grandparents helped care for Kyzaiah during the transition.

Upon arriving in Dunedin, Gilbert quickly found a welcoming community within the Hoiho basketball team. “Everybody is so friendly and welcoming,” she shared. “Within my first week, the girls were inviting me to scrimmages.” This supportive environment helped her adjust to her new surroundings and build connections within the team.

As one of the youngest players on the Hoiho roster, Gilbert has sought guidance from her more experienced teammates, including captain Samara Gallaher and forward Zoe Richards. Their mentorship has been invaluable as she adapts to the professional basketball landscape. “It was different down here, but I really love it,” she noted.

Gilbert’s commitment to basketball remained unwavering, as she continued to play until halfway through her pregnancy. Remarkably, she returned to the court just three months postpartum to compete in the Secondary Schools 3×3 competition. Shortly after, she participated in a Junior Tall Ferns camp, demonstrating her determination to excel in the sport.

Five months after giving birth, Gilbert was selected as one of ten young New Zealand prospects for the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp in Abu Dhabi. This prestigious camp brought together top high school players from Asia and the Middle East, offering coaching from FIBA and NBA professionals. “It was a tough decision because I was breastfeeding a newborn baby, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she recalled.

Being involved in that camp marked a significant turning point for Gilbert, affirming her potential in basketball. “I felt a lot more like myself,” she stated, reflecting on the experience. Following this, she was selected to participate in the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, where she had the chance to showcase her skills in front of scouts.

Balancing motherhood, academics, and athletics has been challenging, yet Gilbert remains committed to her goals. Most days, she is either attending classes online or training with the Hoiho, all while managing her responsibilities as a mother. “Training with a baby and school was tough, but it got me back into a routine,” she noted.

Gilbert aspires to open her own dental practice upon completing her studies, seeing it as a way to give back to her community, particularly to the Māori population. “I’ve always seen myself on the dentist pathway,” she explained. Additionally, she dreams of wearing a Tall Ferns singlet in the future, a testament to her dedication to the sport.

Despite her many accomplishments at a young age, Gilbert remains grounded in her responsibilities as a mother. “My main goal is being a great mother and putting him first,” she emphasized. “Having a baby made me mature quickly. I have to think about my future because it’s not just about myself anymore.”

Currently, the Hoiho are experiencing a strong season, recently securing a win against the Northern Kahu. With their victory, they have climbed to third in the standings after four rounds, showcasing the team’s growing potential. Gilbert’s journey is a testament to her resilience, and as she continues to balance her commitments, her story inspires many young athletes navigating similar challenges.