The Waikato sisters, Krystal and Charlisse Leger-Walker, have quickly come to light after their stellar performances with the Cougars in America. However, they already had all the name and fame in New Zealand, thanks to their mother and early-age coach, Leanne Walker. While she was the reason behind the two siblings learning basketball, the flowers go to the older sister, Krystal, to pave the path for the younger one. In fact, the two already had their mind set on coming to US soil and becoming popular through the sport.

Krystal Leger-Walker was born on September 29 in Waikato, New Zealand, to Eliu and Leanne Leger-Walker. Leanne was a part of the country’s first women’s basketball Olympic teams in 2000 and 2004. She also played for New Zealand’s Waikato Wizards. The mother of three daughters surely passed on the athletic genes as all three of her children are into basketball today. And it all started with Krystal.

She started playing at the Waikato Wizards as a young 16-year-old hooper. Krystal was also the first one of the three siblings to enter the 2014 Junior Olympics team before the stint for her mother as a Wizard.

At that time, the local reporters asked her and Charlisse about their next steps. Krystal replied, “Hopefully to get over to the States.” The high schooler from St. Peter’s School, Cambridge, had her intentions on track. Next year, she moved to the US to play for the Northern Colorado Bears of the Big Sky Conference.

The older Leger-Walker became a star with the Bears pretty quickly. She gave the school their best three years. In fact, she was the primary reason why Northern Colorado made their first appearance in the Big Dance and also won the conference title. However, with the move of her coach Kamie Ethridge, she only lasted another year in Greeley. She transferred to Washington State in 2020. In fact, this is how the older sister ensured a path for her younger one to the US. The same year, Charlisse also moved to the same school.

Krystal’s US basketball domination and legacy for Charlisse Leger-Walker

Charlisse Leger-Walker, the freshman, and Krystal, the senior, were the dream team duo for the Cougars. Together, they led the crimson and grey to their first-ever NCAA bracket in 2021. In 2023, with Krystal out of the picture, Charlisse improved her numbers other than buckets. With an average of 13.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, she brought the Pac-12 conference tournament title to Pullman. She also led the team to its third consecutive March Madness.

While Charlisse has now entered the transfer portal to complete her final year of eligibility in another college, Krystal is doing wonders with her New Zealand-based Northern Kahu. After completing college, she has also played for Townsville in Australia’s WNBL and last represented the SD Spartans in NBL1 East.

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Even though she could not fulfill her dream of playing in the WNBA, she’ll be hoping her younger sister gets the chance sooner rather than later.