Miela Sowah Explained

Miela Sowah
Position:Guard
Height Cm:180
League:WNBL
Team:Perth Lynx
Number:1
Birth Date:2000 6, df=yes
Birth Place:Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
High School:Moreton Bay College
(Brisbane, Queensland)
College:Duke (2018–2022)
Draft League:WNBA
Draft Year:2022
Career Start:2016
Years1:2016–2017
Team1:Logan Thunder
Years2:2017–2018
Team2:Townsville Fire
Years3:2018
Team3:Townsville Flames
Years4:2022
Team4:Mackay Meteorettes
Years5:2022–2023
Team5:Melbourne Boomers
Years6:2023
Team6:Mount Gambier Pioneers
Years7:2023–present
Team7:Perth Lynx
Years8:2024
Team8:North Gold Coast Seahawks
Highlights:

Miela Elizabeth Sowah (; born 4 June 2000) is an Australian professional basketball player for the Perth Lynx of the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL). After winning a championship in the WNBL as a development player with the Townsville Fire in 2018, she played four seasons of college basketball in the United States for the Duke Blue Devils. She returned to the WNBL in 2022, playing a season for the Melbourne Boomers before joining the Perth Lynx in 2023.

Early life and career

Sowah was born in Brisbane, Queensland, where she attended Moreton Bay College.[1] She played basketball at Moreton Bay and won numerous sport awards.

As a junior, Sowah played for the Logan Thunder. She was selected the 2016 and 2017 Basketball Queensland Player of the Year and the Logan Basketball Junior Player of the Year. She made her debut for the Thunder in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) in 2016,[2] earning one appearance as a 15-year-old.[3] In 13 games in 2017, she averaged 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

In July 2017, Sowah signed with the Townsville Fire of the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) as a development player for the 2017–18 season.[4] [5] She appeared in two games during the season as the Fire went on to win the WNBL championship.[6]

For the 2018 QBL season, Sowah joined the Townsville Flames and won the QBL U-23 Youth Player of the Year after averaging 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals in 16 games.[7]

College career

Sowah moved to the United States to play college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in the NCAA Division I. As a freshman in 2018–19, she played 30 games with 22 starts, averaging 10.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game. She subsequently earned ACC All-Freshman Team honours. She made a Duke freshman record 73 3-pointers, which also ranked as the eighth-most in the ACC history by a freshman. She had a career-high 26 points with eight 3-pointers against Notre Dame.

As a sophomore in 2019–20, Sowah averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.0 assists per game. She scored a season-high 26 points against Troy and became the quickest Blue Devil to reach 100 3-pointers, doing so in only 45 contests.

Sowah's junior year was cut short after the team withdrew from the 2020–21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic after only four games. She averaged 15.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

As a senior in 2021–22, Sowah played 29 games with 12 starts, averaging 6.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Sowah concluded her career ranking tied for eighth with 170 career 3-pointers made. She earned ACC All-Academic Team in 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2021–22 and earned ACC Honor Roll in 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21.

Professional career

In May 2022, Sowah returned to Australia and joined the Mackay Meteorettes of the NBL1 North. In seven games, she averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game.[8]

Sowah joined the Melbourne Boomers for the 2022–23 WNBL season. In 20 games, she averaged 6.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.[9]

Following the WNBL season, Sowah joined the Mount Gambier Pioneers of the NBL1 South for the 2023 season.[10] In 21 games, she averaged 24.24 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.57 assists and 1.67 steals per game.[11] She subsequently earned NBL1 South All-Star Five honours.[12]

On 5 June 2023, Sowah signed with the Perth Lynx for the 2023–24 WNBL season.[13] [14] She suffered a broken nose at training prior to round two which led to her wearing a protective mask for the rest of the season.[15] [16] She was thrust into the role of starting point guard midway through the season following an injury to import Aari McDonald. The Lynx made the WNBL grand final series in 2023–24, where they lost to the Southside Flyers.[17] She averaged 10 points per game for the season.[18]

Sowah joined the North Gold Coast Seahawks of the NBL1 North for the 2024 season.[19] She continued wearing a protective mask in the NBL1 season to protect her nose, mindful that she didn't want to suffer any more damage before her wedding. She was named to the NBL1 North First Team.[20] In 17 games, she averaged 28.88 points, 5.29 rebounds, 2.71 assists and 1.12 steals per game.[21]

On 19 August 2024, Sowah re-signed with the Perth Lynx for the 2024–25 WNBL season.[22] [23] Having played point guard during the 2023–24 season, she entered the 2024–25 season with a focus on being a shooting guard again.

National team career

Sowah debuted for Australia at the 2016 FIBA Under-17 World Championship,[24] where she helped the Sapphires win the gold medal.[25] She went on to play at the 2017 FIBA Under-17 Oceania Championship, 2018 FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship, and 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.[26]

Sowah was a member of the Australian national 3x3 team in May 2023.[27]

Personal life

Sowah is the daughter of David and Michelle Goodchild. She has one brother, Conor, and one sister, Briana. Her father and sister appeared on in 2022.[28]

After marrying Josh Sowah in September 2024, she dropped her maiden name of Goodchild and entered the 2024–25 WNBL season as Miela Sowah.[29]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Miela Goodchild. goduke.com. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605130340/https://goduke.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/miela-goodchild/17239. 5 June 2023.
  2. Web site: 2016 QBL Womens Season Preview. basketballexpression.com. 25 April 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605143944/https://basketballexpression.wixsite.com/basketballexpression/single-post/2016/04/26/2016-qbl-womens-season-preview. 5 June 2023.
  3. Web site: Miela Goodchild. australiabasket.com. 5 June 2023. subscription.
  4. Web site: Fire sign rising stars. WNBL.com.au. 5 July 2017. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20170729051554/http://wnbl.com.au/townsville_news/fire-sign-rising-stars/. 29 July 2017. 5 June 2023.
  5. Web site: Cormack. Michael. Moreton Bay College student and Logan Thunder star snapped up byTownsville Fire. couriermail.com.au. 19 July 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605131634/https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/southeast/moreton-bay-college-student-and-logan-thunder-star-snapped-up-bytownsville-fire/news-story/f24119ffc7043b0074fd06906829e7e5?nk=a1a187730fcc8e1387ae842348a16f82-1685970994. 5 June 2023.
  6. News: Fire youngster signs with college heavyweight. townsvillebulletin.com.au. 13 April 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605132016/https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/fire-youngster-signs-with-college-heavyweight/news-story/d85454b176ab4e161a6081b044ff7d67?nk=8fcfe77be71fff6f309b66fc4b88b000-1685971216. 5 June 2023.
  7. Web site: Goodchild Selected Queensland Player of the Year. goduke.com. 4 September 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605131249/https://goduke.com/news/2018/9/4/211770458.aspx. 5 June 2023.
  8. Web site: Miela Goodchild. nbl1.com.au. live. https://archive.today/20230605134640/https://nbl1.com.au/player/7896c688-1c3d-11ec-bb86-e62cfb64ec9b/9c0df942-c678-11ec-a579-5917a465b7e3/miela-goodchild/north. 5 June 2023.
  9. News: Miela Goodchild. wnbl.basketball. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605135034/https://wnbl.basketball/stats/?WHurl=%2Fperson%2F695217%2Fstatistics%3F. 5 June 2023.
  10. Web site: Sharpshooter signs on with Pioneers. sevoice.com.au. 13 December 2022. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230313081617/https://sevoice.com.au/sharpshooter-signs-on-with-pioneers/. 13 March 2023. 5 June 2023.
  11. Web site: Miela Goodchild. nbl1.com.au. live. https://archive.today/20230925152805/https://nbl1.com.au/player/10efdc48-70a7-11ed-8fed-2d98d9fac4b4/9c0df942-c678-11ec-a579-5917a465b7e3/miela-goodchild/south. 25 September 2023.
  12. Web site: NBL1 South 2023 Awards Night Recap. NBL1.com.au. 12 August 2023. 12 August 2023. live. https://archive.today/20230812024027/https://nbl1.com.au/news/nbl1-south-2023-awards-night-recap/south/. 12 August 2023.
  13. News: MIELA GOODCHILD SIGNS FOR 2023-24. wnbl.basketball/perth. 5 June 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605135750/https://wnbl.basketball/perth/news/miela-goodchild-signs-for-2023-24/. 5 June 2023.
  14. Web site: O'Donoghue. Craig. Perth Lynx sign exciting three-point shooter Miela Goodchild for upcoming WNBL season. The West Australian. 5 June 2023. dead. https://archive.today/20230605073013/https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-lynx-sign-exciting-three-point-shooter-miela-goodchild-for-upcoming-wnbl-season-c-10870195. 5 June 2023.
  15. Web site: O'Donoghue. Craig. Perth Lynx shooter Miela Goodchild's new protective mask will be similar to Perth Wildcats star Keanu Pinder's. The West Australian. 21 November 2023. live. https://archive.today/20231121093145/https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-lynx-shooter-miela-goodchilds-new-protective-mask-will-be-similar-to-perth-wildcats-star-keanu-pinders-c-12628366. 21 November 2023.
  16. Web site: O'Donoghue. Craig. Perth Lynx guard Miela Goodchild will change her name after getting married and stop wearing protective mask. The West Australian. 19 August 2024. dead. https://archive.today/20240819101604/https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-lynx-guard-miela-goodchild-will-change-her-name-after-getting-married-and-stop-wearing-protective-mask-c-15740326. 19 August 2024.
  17. News: LYNX FALL IN GAME 3 BUT PLENTY TO BE PROUD OF. wnbl.basketball/perth. 17 March 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240317143137/https://wnbl.basketball/perth/news/lynx-fall-in-game-3-but-plenty-to-be-proud-of/. 17 March 2024 . Lauren .
  18. Web site: O'Donoghue. Craig. Perth Lynx star Miela Sowah enjoying the freedom of not wearing a protective mask during WNBL season. The West Australian. 14 November 2024. dead. https://archive.today/20241114005653/https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-lynx-star-miela-sowah-enjoying-the-freedom-of-not-wearing-a-protective-mask-during-wnbl-season-c-16735375. 14 November 2024.
  19. Web site: Lynx Guard Miela Goodchild inks for 2024. seahawksbasketball.com.au. 8 November 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20231116014505/https://www.seahawksbasketball.com.au/post/miela-goodchild-2024. 16 November 2023.
  20. Web site: NBL1 North Women's First Team. facebook.com/basketballqld. 15 July 2024. 15 July 2024.
  21. Web site: Miela Goodchild. NBL1.com.au. 19 August 2024.
  22. Web site: The sharpshooter returns!. facebook.com/PerthLynx. 19 August 2024. 19 August 2024.
  23. News: Goodchild returns after brilliant debut season. wnbl.basketball/perth. 20 August 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240820090000/https://wnbl.basketball/perth/news/goodchild-returns-after-brilliant-debut-season/. 20 August 2024.
  24. Web site: Cormack. Michael. Brisbane teen earns selection in Australian Under-17 Girls squad for FIBA Under-17 World Championships. couriermail.com.au. 14 May 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605142446/https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/logan/brisbane-teen-earns-selection-in-australian-under17-girls-squad-for-fiba-under17-world-championships/news-story/f25bfc4e9208fc712f26479ec7d2a98c?nk=d6c8ca9394fd19ce20992dc4927869a7-1685975086. 5 June 2023.
  25. Web site: Cormack. Michael. Brisbane basketballer on top of the world after FIBA Under-17 World Championship victory. couriermail.com.au. 7 August 2016. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605142907/https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/logan/brisbane-basketballer-on-top-of-the-world-after-fiba-under17-world-championship-victory/news-story/ad45af5215a0780016c2257b191d5066?nk=be0d4b1920d883eddfe0e8ed9b6a5a6b-1685975347. 5 June 2023.
  26. Web site: Miela Goodchild. fiba.basketball. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605140400/https://www.fiba.basketball/en/player/219240/Miela-Goodchild. 5 June 2023.
  27. Web site: 3×3 Women's Gangurrus teams prepare for jam-packed weekend. australia.basketball. 5 May 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230605143426/https://australia.basketball/3x3-womens-gangurrus-teams-prepare-for-jam-packed-weekend/. 5 June 2023.
  28. Web site: O'Donoghue. Craig. Dribble Podcast: Miela Goodchild rejected Survivor and now wants to outwit, outplay and outlast for Perth Lynx. The West Australian. 9 November 2023. live. https://archive.today/20231109103750/https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/dribble-podcast-miela-goodchild-rejected-survivor-and-now-wants-to-outwit-outplay-and-outlast-for-perth-lynx-c-12472290. 9 November 2023.
  29. Web site: O'Donoghue. Craig. Perth Lynx player profiles as WNBL club chases breakthrough title in 2024-25. The West Australian. 28 October 2024. dead. https://archive.today/20241028012404/https://thewest.com.au/sport/basketball/perth-lynx-player-profiles-as-wnbl-club-chases-breakthrough-title-in-2024-25-c-16536437. 28 October 2024.

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