KOROR (Palau) - She's been a familiar face in Samoan basketball for a few years, but the rise of Hildegard Matthes feels like it’s just beginning.
I keep pushing myself. It's not all about age - it's about the skills.
At just 18 years old, Matthes is already a veteran of sorts. She's represented Samoa across both youth and senior levels, making her senior national team debut at the 2023 Pacific Games. Now, she's taking center stage again at the inaugural FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League - Oceania, and it's clear she's ready to lead.
In Stop 1 of the competition, Matthes lit up the scoreboard with 27 points across two games, leading all scorers as Samoa split results with a strong 22-10 win over Tahiti before falling just short against Tonga. Her performance was an early warning to the rest of the field - Samoa have come to play, and Matthes is the engine driving them forward.
“We were playing hard, going hard at it,” Matthes said, reflecting on her opening games. “The challenge was being patient and playing as a team.”
That balance of energy and composure is part of what makes her special. On the court, she brings tenacity. Off the court, she's grounded - grateful for the experience and embracing her surroundings in Palau, a change of scenery from her home in Samoa.
“The culture is all good, the people are friendly,” smiled Matthes. “It's a really good place to play.”
For Matthes, having played at the senior level at a young age has been quite an experience as she also can still represent the country on youth teams as well. It might seem difficult switching back and forth between teams, but she takes it as lessons to grow from.
“I keep pushing myself. It's not all about age - it's about the skills,” she said about making her debut in 2023. “It helps me be myself when I'm on and off the court and learn to respect others.”
With her leadership and the guidance of her coaches and family, Matthes is blossoming into one of Oceania's most exciting young basketball prospects. As Samoa chase a top finish - and with it, a pathway to the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup and Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games - there's no doubt that Matthes will be a player to watch throughout the competition.
This is what the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League - Oceania is all about: young talent, regional pride, and new stars taking their place on the international stage. And Hildegard Matthes is already shining.
FIBA