Miela Sowah estimates she’s won the pregame half-court shot contest among her teammates on the Golden State Valkyries seven or eight times this season.
On the morning before their July 20 loss against the Mystics, she looked in line to win it again. Then center Kiah Stokes hit a miracle shot that deflected off the top of the backboard and ricocheted in.
“I wasn’t sure it counted,” Sowah joked. “Everyone goes pretty hard. But yeah, I live for it, it’s really fun.”
Sowah is one of two development players on the Valkyries—a new role in the WNBA this season after the league and players signed their collective bargaining agreement.
Teams can have two development players off the roster who do not affect the salary cap. They can only play in 12 games, and must wait until 60 minutes before a game to find out if they’re actually going to play. They are provided a one-bedroom apartment and a weekly stipend of $750; if activated for a game, they’re paid the league game-minimum of $6,136.
Sowah, who grew up in Australia and was a sharpshooting guard at Duke, signed with the Valkyries during training camp this May. She was cut following the first preseason game, before being signed back as a development player. For now, the 5-foot-10 guard says she just wants to do what she can to help the Valkyries become a championship contender.
Golden State has worked to develop Sowah’s skills in practices, and she says that watching the games has helped her become a better player, too.
“I’m kind of analyzing the game, seeing where my game could fit in as well. I think being like a versatile guard is something they want —and being a pest on defense.”
Sowah, known as a sharpshooter from a distance, made a splash in Golden State’s lone preseason game when she shot 5-for-6 with 14 points against Seattle. She said head coach Natalie Nakase and the coaching staff are watching her defense and passing skills develop.
“She brings her energy and her smile. It’s so infectious,” Nakase said. “The coolest thing is she’s so coachable. She soaks everything up. She’s one of those people that you want to look around for and be like, ‘Hey, Miela, how’s your day?’ because she’s giving you energy. Being a development player] has been a perfect fit for her.”
While she waits her turn, Sowah is spending her time in the Bay Area vlogging her favorite restaurants — her tops so far are El Farolito, Capari and Meski — and bonding with teammates, including fellow development player Ashten Prechtel. She’s become known for her tunnel fits and social media clips rating various food in the Bay with her husband, Josh.
The moment they need her, though, Sowah is ready, and her teammates can’t wait to see her make those halfcourt shots on someone else.
“Just keeping the vision kind of in my head for when my time comes,” Sowah said
