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Leger-Walker sister act set to star for Queens in upcoming Tauihi League season
Robbie Cuthbertson • September 1st, 2026 3:21 pm
Charlisse and Krystal Leger-Walker | Photo: Photosport
Charlisse Leger-Walker is heading home and joining her sister on the Tokomanawa Queens for the upcoming Tauihi League season after a solid rookie campaign in the WNBA with the Connecticut Sun.
She will join older sister Krystal, who had a long collegiate career in the states, racking up a record 139 collegiate appearances by a Kiwi.
Krystal Leger-Walker was excited by the prospect of playing with her younger sister in New Zealand in her chat on Sport Nation Mornings.
“I am ecstatic, super, super excited, not only just to get to play basketball on the pro scene, but also alongside Charlisse. And you know, after everything she's recently done, I’m just really excited.”
"I really like our chances.” Leger-Walker said when asked about taking out the Tauihi League title.
“There's no one I'd want to go to battle more with than my sister.”
Charlisse Leger-Walker on inspiring the next generation of Kiwi ballers | The Fast Break Podcast
Leger-Walker highlighted her sisters rookie season in the WNBA, saying that the tough nature of the league made Charlisse’s solid debut campaign that much more impressive.
“It’s a really cut-throat league.” Leger-Walker said.
“It's the best league in the world and I don't think people at home quite understand how difficult it is to make it in.”
Krystal continued, saying that, “to keep yourself in the league is really hard and the fact that Charlisse has done both of those things and kind of made a name for herself, working her way into the starting lineup has been really impressive and really cool for us to watch, not only as a family, but just as New Zealand is watching her crush it over here.”
Leger-Walker spoke on the inspiration that Charlisse can provide Kiwi girls with professional dreams and be proof that the pathways are there for these girls to succeed.
“Having Charlisse come back, there's some high school girls that have got (professional) contracts and amateur contracts in our Tauihi League. So, they'll get the chance to watch her live and play against her.” Leger-Walker said.
“There are a lot of pathways and opportunities out there, especially in basketball.”
“We've already had some WNBA players, and the queens have started to develop some WNBA players of their own with import Ji-hyun Park also making the league. Bringing people like Charlize back in is just amazing.”
The Leger-Walker sister act will take to the court on September 27 in Porirua for the opening night of the Tauihi League season.
Listen to the full interview below:
