Golden State Valkyries development player Miela Sowah joins Ric Bucher for an inspiring conversation about the perseverance, preparation and personal relationships behind her journey from Australian basketball to the WNBA.
Sowah explains how Australia’s development system shaped her into an all-around player, why a coach’s challenge transformed her from a rim-attacking guard into a dangerous three-point shooter, and how four years at Duke prepared her for professional basketball—even though she went undrafted.
She also shares what it means to join the same Golden State organization as Steph Curry, why the Valkyries’ “Ballhalla” atmosphere is unlike anything she has experienced, and how she stays prepared and contributes while waiting for her opportunity on the court.
The conversation explores the differences between the WNBA, NCAA and Australia’s WNBL; the growing influence of NIL on Australian prospects; Townsville Fire’s championship outlook; and the emotional moment Sowah finally received her WNBA opportunity after pursuing the dream since age 14.
Plus, Sowah reveals how her husband Josh went from volunteer rebounder to life partner—and how her sister and father ended up competing on Australian Survivor: Blood V Water.
00:00 – Welcome to Pacific Rims
00:53 – Ric Bucher introduces Golden State Valkyries guard Miela Sowah
01:34 – Developing as a women’s basketball player in Australia
03:27 – Australia’s emphasis on versatile, team-oriented players
04:00 – How Sowah’s older sister introduced her to basketball
04:31 – The coaching challenge that turned her into a three-point shooter
05:22 – Rebuilding her shooting form and developing deeper range
06:04 – Ric’s Steph Curry story and his daughter’s basketball journey
07:21 – Why joining Golden State carried extra meaning for Sowah
08:14 – Going undrafted after Duke and rebuilding her confidence
09:09 – The coaches and mentors who kept her WNBA dream alive
09:56 – Sowah’s shooting reset when her jumper feels wrong
10:37 – Adjusting from Australian basketball culture to the United States
11:23 – What Sowah misses about Australia—and loves about the Bay Area
12:03 – Why the Valkyries’ Ballhalla atmosphere feels so special
13:16 – Comparing the WNBA, NCAA and WNBL styles of play
14:08 – Australian basketball connections around the world
15:34 – Staying positive while waiting for her chance to play
17:09 – How Sowah studies games and contributes from the bench
18:06 – NIL’s impact on Australian women’s basketball prospects
19:33 – Townsville Fire’s WNBL title defense and biggest challengers
20:21 – Receiving the offer that finally made her WNBA dream real
21:44 – Overcoming the disappointment of going undrafted
23:44 – Sharing the life-changing news with her family
24:25 – How a volunteer rebounder became Sowah’s husband
25:25 – The slow-burn romance between Miela and Josh
26:14 – Evaluating Josh’s rebounding and passing skills
27:16 – Returning to the gym together for workouts and one-on-one
28:04 – How Sowah’s family landed on Australian Survivor
29:53 – Her father carrying on her sister’s Survivor dream
30:13 – Final thoughts and farewell
30:46 – Pacific Rims closing remarks
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