Bringing it home

From growing up on basketball courts across Aotearoa to an NCAA college championship in the US and becoming the first New Zealander drafted into the WNBA, Charlisse Leger-Walker has taken her game to the world stage. Now she's back in New Zealand for the ANZCO Foods Tokomanawa Queens season, joining sister Krystal and bringing with her a fresh perspective on food, recovery and what it really takes to compete at the highest level.

Please click the Fullscreen option in the bottom right-hand corner to view the article larger. (Press Escape to exit full screen).

Q. You’ve spent much of your career chasing opportunities overseas. Why does coming home feel like the right move now?

I've spent many years away from home pursuing basketball, so coming back for the Tauihi season gives me the opportunity to bring some of that experience back to New Zealand. Getting to play alongside Krystal is a huge part of it too. We've grown up playing basketball together, so getting the chance to play professionally together at home is pretty special. I'm also excited to play in front of family, friends and Kiwi basketball fans again.

Q. Your path to the WNBA hasn’t been straightforward. How much did dealing with injury change your perspective as an athlete and the way you look after your body? When I reflect on my ACL injury, I actually look back on that time with a lot of gratitude. It definitely made winning a national championship and being drafted into the WNBA that little bit sweeter. The rehab also made me aware of all the small things that go into getting your body back into condition. Recovery, sleep and nutrition became a big focus. I spoke with nutritionists about how I could fuel my body better and became curious about what works for athletes, particularly female athletes. That included making sure I was getting enough protein and iron through foods like beef and lamb. It changed my mindset from simply eating because I was hungry to thinking more about what my body needed to recover and perform. That's something I've carried with me ever since.

Q. For people who watch your games, what don't they see that enables you to compete in the WNBA?

Making the WNBA is one thing; staying there is another. Players can be waived or traded at any point, so all the little things matter - how you prepare, work on your mental game and look after yourself physically. A normal day might mean six hours doing prehab, strength work, individual and team training, extra shooting and treatment. The game is faster and more physical, and the travel takes a toll, so recovery and fuelling become really important. I'd say about 70% of my time away from the court is dedicated to looking after my body.

Q. From your teenage years in New Zealand to playing in the WNBA, how has the way you think about food changed? 

It's funny looking back at how I ate as a teenager. Before Friday-night high-school games I'd sometimes grab something from the sausage sizzle outside the venue and somehow play on that. There's no way I'd do that now! The biggest change is being much more aware of what I'm putting into my body. I don't follow a strict diet - I try to choose healthier, whole foods and get the right balance of protein, carbs and fats, but I still love a sweet treat. Cooking more of your own meals, keeping better options around you and being more intentional about what you eat has also made a big difference.

Breakfast is usually scrambled eggs with cottage cheese and fruit, and around training I'll have things like smoothies, electrolytes and energy chews. After practice we have a team meal, usually something like steak with salad, potatoes or pasta. At home, one of my favourites is a hot honey beef bowl with beef mince, sweet potato, avocado and cottage cheese. I've loved beef and lamb my whole life - I was raised on them, so they've always been staples for me. I'm much more conscious of getting enough protein now, particularly around training and recovery, and beef and lamb are an easy way to build that into a proper meal. And honestly, I just really enjoy them - I love a good steak.

Q. When you come home, is there a meal that immediately tastes like New Zealand to you?

Beef pies! They're something I automatically associate with New Zealand. I also love a good lamb chop, and you can't beat roast lamb - we had it a lot growing up, so it's definitely one of my favourites. Nana Mere also used to make the best meatloaf. She measured everything by eye, so I've never really been able to replicate it since she passed away.

Q. After playing at the highest level overseas, what are you hoping to bring to the ANZCO Foods Tokomanawa Queens, both on the court and for the young fans watching from the stands? 

I've been fortunate to play with and against some amazing players and learn from great coaches. I want to bring some of what I've learned back to the Queens and help the team be successful. Growing up in New Zealand, the biggest sporting leagues can feel a long way away. If a young girl can come to a Queens game, see someone from New Zealand who has played in the WNBA and think, "Maybe I can do that too", that's really special.

Q. You’ve already achieved so much in your career. What are you most excited to chase next?

Making it to the WNBA was a huge goal, but now I want to establish myself there and see how far I can take my game. Representing New Zealand is also a big part of what motivates me. I'm proud of what I've achieved, but there's still so much ahead.