Walters aims to end Killester’s 44-year wait for glory
Killester stand on the cusp of ending a 44-year wait for women’s top-flight glory, but it may take one of their newest players in Keowa Walters to get them there.
The 23-year-old will be crowned a Super League champion this final regular-season weekend with a win over Trinity Meteors today and another against Brunell on Monday.
And although a play-off may be required with Liffey Celtics if they beat Waterford Wildcats on Monday, the Canadian will be content either way.
“It’s something that hasn’t been done in a long while so it’s meaningful for our club and so then meaningful for us as players,” says Walters.
“My family think I’m a superstar even if I just made it here. They would be happy if I finished 11th in the league. So they’re going to be doing backflips if we finish off as number one.”
Nightmare
Killester coach Mark Grennell has described Walters and her American team-mate Jiselle Thomas as a “nightmare match-up” for their opponents.
And the duo have helped them into the pole position this weekend, with Brunell’s title ambitions severely hampered by Edel Thornton’s ACL injury earlier this season.
WhenstudyingattheVirginiaCommonwealth University, Walters represented the USA in an international colleges tournament in 2022 in her home town of Toronto. While some of her then opponents have made it to the WNBA, the 6ft 3in forward has since enjoyed her first taste of professionalism this season. Although, it got off to rocky start last year.
“I was originally in a club in Finland for about two weeks, but it was very intense and the location was very isolated, which is not something I’m used to coming from a big city.
“Basketball is a significant part of my life but once the ball stops bouncing, who am I around? What’s the city like? Am I only enjoying the 40 minutes on the court? So when finding my next club, I wasn’t too focused on the basketball aspects but the overall atmosphere and community.
“Myheadcoach,Mark,toldmewhat it was going to be like here but I don’t think he did it justice of just how I’ve been embraced here. I’ve a lot of great personal connections.”
If she can lead them to the promised land, those connections will no doubt be strengthened.
Meanwhile, in the final regular-season weekend of the Men’s Super League, Demons will clinch the final play-off berth from Killorglin if theybeatthemby21pointstomorrow.
DCU Mercy v Glanmire, DCU Arena, 3.0; Mystics v Waterford Wildcats, Kingfisher Gym, 4.0; Killester v Trinity Meteors, IWA-Clontarf, 4.45; Liffey Celtics v Ulster University, Lexlip Amenities, 7.0; Brunell v Fr Mathews, Parochial Hall, 7.30
Belfast Star v Éanna, New Forge, 6.30; Killester v Maree BC, IWA Clontarf, 7.15; St Vincent’s v Templeogue, St Vincent’s CBS, 7.30; Sligo All-Stars v Ulster University, Mercy College, 7.30; Maigh Cuilinn v Tralee Warriors, Kingfisher Sports Arena, 7.30
Demons v Killorglin, Mardyke Arena, 1.30 Brunell v Killester, Parochial Hall, 2.0; Liffey Celtics v Waterford Wildcats, Leixlip Amenities, 3.0; Trinity Meteors v Fr Mathews, Coláiste Íosagáin, 3.30