WNBA champ back from "craziest" ride to defend Fire title

Miela Sowah is a WNBA champion, and now she’s home chasing another title.

Fresh from the Golden State Valkyries’ historic championship win, the Townsville Fire star has returned to Australia ready to tackle the WNBL27 Season.

Speaking to media on her arrival on Saturday, Sowah reflected on the franchise’s maiden title and the celebrations that followed.

“It’s so insane. It’s been a wild week, and it’s honestly so surreal,” Sowah said.

“I just think back to when I decided to pursue this as a 14-year-old kid, and now being in the WNBA and getting a WNBA championship, it’s phenomenal.

“My life motto is hard work always pays off, whether it’s short-term in a few weeks, a few months, or if it’s in years.

“In this case, it’s been years. So it’s phenomenal, and I’m super grateful.”

Sowah also spoke about how the support of her family helped her reach this moment.

“It makes you quite emotional. It seems so far away when you’re a kid, but I always kept it up as a goal, and I always believed, even through all the trials and obstacles,” she said.

“My family supported me. They drove me around everywhere and really dived into my dream, as well as my husband.

“It’s hard to put into words because I’m so grateful.”

Another highlight was the championship parade, where Sowah celebrated with hundreds of thousands of Valkyries fans in the Bay Area.

“The parade was honestly the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. 400,000 fans showed up for us,” she said.

“We’re on the buses, popping the champagne, spraying it on them, yelling out, going down to the crowd and high-fiving them.

“My husband got to share it with me, which was amazing. We just said it was one of the best days of our lives. To share it with those girls as well, it’s such a special group.”

Now back on Australian shores, Sowah has turned her attention to helping the Fire go back-to-back.

“Eyes onto the next thing now. I’m trying to run it back with Townsville for another championship,” she added.

“That’s what sport’s like. You celebrate one and then you move on to the next.”

Sowah is slated to make her season debut, which will also be her 100th WNBL game, in Townsville’s Round 5 clash with the Capitals in Canberra on Sunday.

That fixture tips off at 3pm AEDT, live on 9Go! and ESPN via Disney+.