Loreighelle Joseph’s basketball story began long before she took a seat on the bench. Representing Samoa at the 2018 FIBA U15 Women’s Oceania Cup, she quickly became known for her tenacity and court vision.
When the national program needed a new direction, Joseph swapped her playing jersey for a coaching clipboard, stepping into the role of assistant coach for the Samoan side at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B.
A Mentor’s Impact
Her approach is rooted in the lessons she learned as a teenager: empathy, resilience, and the belief that every player can grow when given the right support. “I draw on my own journey to connect with them,” she says.
The tournament turned into more than a competition; it became a platform for discovery. Young athletes such as Veralynn Auvaa and Lesieli Jasbernita “Jas” Ulberg emerged as natural leaders, a development Joseph attributes to the safe space she cultivated.
Beyond tactics, Joseph’s presence sends a powerful message to Samoan women about belonging in sport. “Seeing a woman who has walked the same path helps them imagine their own possibilities,” she notes.
Although Samoa finished fifth in the 2026 edition of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup – Division B, the experience marked a milestone for the program, highlighting the nation’s growing footprint in Asian basketball.