When Kiama junior Lena Van Alphen steps onto the basketball court, she stands out - not just for her skill, but because she’s the only girl in the mixed competition.

Now the rising star has been selected - from just 50 girls across the state - for the prestigious Basketball NSW Katie-Rae Ebzery Under 13s Challenge, marking another major milestone in her sporting journey.

Named in honour of the Opals and WNBL legend, the Country U13 Challenge helps young players transition from U12s into U14s through expert coaching, simulated game sessions, skills competitions and more.

Lena’s basketball journey all began because of her older brother.

“I came into a mixed basketball team after my brother started playing in Kiama,” said Lena. “At first, I was nervous, and I would back off against the boys. But in the end, I didn’t care what gender they were - I would just try my hardest.

“Sometimes I still find it a bit tricky, but then I remind myself that I am there for myself, to learn and grow as a basketball player.”

From there, Lena flourished and this year she managed to play basketball at State level for the first time. But once again she felt like she didn’t quite fit the mould.

“It was daunting at first. I was the only player on my team who had never played representative basketball or even trained properly before. I thought I wouldn’t be good enough,” she said.

“But as the games went on, I became more confident, started dribbling more and making more shots - even though some girls were twice my size! Outside the games, we really became a team. We hung out together and had the best time. The whole experience boosted my confidence, and I can’t wait to go back next year.”

But basketball isn’t even Lena’s favourite sport. In 2025, she competed at State level in athletics, cross country and - her personal favourite - soccer.

“My main focus has always been soccer and basketball. I’ve never done proper athletics or cross-country training, but the fitness from my other sports helps,” she said.

“I know it’ll get harder to keep up with everything as I get older, and I’ll have to choose which sports I love most. I also play representative Oztag. Watching other girls at State has taught me a lot and helped me improve.”

Lena might be a sports all-rounder, but soccer has her heart. Photo: Eva Van Alphen

On top of all the sport, Lena travels to school in Nowra, making her schedule even more jam-packed.

“I go to school in Nowra but most of my training is in Wollongong. I have sport every afternoon - sometimes two things in one afternoon. It can be hard to balance everything, but somehow I manage,” she said.

Her mother, Eva, agrees that fitting everything in can be challenging, but says Lena’s determination and organisation keep everything on track.

“With soccer games often in Sydney and travel for other sports, there’s not much time left for schoolwork and rest. But Lena is very determined and organised. She takes homework in the car and keeps track of everything herself,” said Eva.

“We made a deal that we would make our car trips fun - chatting, music, even some homework - so they don’t just feel like commuting, but part of our day.”

So what inspires this drive and love of sport? Lena says the credit goes to the person who first introduced her to the games she loves.

“Sorry Mum and Dad,” she laughed. “But it’s my brother Jacob. He started most of the sports I do before I did, and he taught me how to play basketball and soccer when I was little - even though I’m better than he is now in soccer!”

“He inspires me to try my best, train hard and keep fighting for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.”

Lena has huge dreams for her future - and they’re not just in sport.

“I’d love to become a soccer star and play for a European club. I also hope to play for the Matildas one day, so I know I have to work hard. Outside sport, I’d love to study astronomy and maybe become an astronomer or even an astronaut - while still playing soccer. Space soccer!” she said.

And if space soccer is the dream, Eva says she and her husband will support it wholeheartedly.

“We check in often to make sure she still enjoys everything and is doing it for the right reasons. Our support - and her brother’s - definitely helps, and we’ll keep supporting her as long as she loves what she’s doing,” she said.