The WNBL and former WNBA basketball star bolting across the globe for her family, Alissa Pili, Brandon Pili, Seattle Seahawks
“I told him this was very important to me,” Pili said of his meeting with Lucas.
“He was really understanding. I found a way to make it work without missing any games here and still get to the Super Bowl. They were very helpful in working with me on that.
“It’s so crazy; I don’t think it’ll really sink in until we get to the game.”
Pili played a starring role against Bendigo recently.Credit: Getty Images
Pili’s first WNBL season didn’t go exactly as planned. He suffered a serious ankle injury in his first match and upon his return suffered a kidney infection that kept him in hospital in Perth for four days.
Saturday’s match was only his eighth of the season, but in those games he had 28 points against Perth and 26 points against title hopefuls Bendigo.
“It’s been a challenge, it’s been an up and down and I’ve been through some pretty crazy things,” Pili said.
“But the last few games I finally felt healthy.”
Brandon has also had an up-and-down career in the NFL.
He was named to the Miami Dolphins’ roster for the 2024-25 season, but the defensive tackle was heartbroken when he was cut by the team in November 2024.
He didn’t last long, though, as the Seahawks made a push to sign him to the practice squad, where he remained until being promoted to the 53-man roster at the beginning of this season.
“I thought I was really building my resume in Miami, and when I got released it was devastating,” Brandon told SB Nation’s Field Gulls ahead of the Super Bowl.
“But coming here [to the Seahawks]Being closer to my family was a plus, and knowing that the guys upstairs on the recruiting team believed in me helped keep me moving upward.”
While most fans are eagerly watching Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold or star wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, or even punter Michael Dickson (albeit with an Australian lens), Alissa said it’s not hard to find his 6′3″ (192 centimeters), 334-pound (151 kilograms) brother on the field.
“He’s a big guy, so it’s hard to miss him,” she said, laughing.
“We definitely know when he’s in the game and we’re always looking for that.”
The imposing Brandon Pili has a major role to play in Super Bowl LX.Credit: Getty Images
Pili’s parents regularly attend Brandon’s games in Seattle, one of the US cities closest to their home in Alaska.
“It’s an easy three-hour flight. Seattle is probably the closest flight to anywhere in the United States,” he said.
Alissa and Brandon spent time playing their respective sports at the University of Southern California, and Alissa said he was excited to see another former Trojan at the Super Bowl alongside his brother Darnold.
“Me and my brother went to the same school as Sam Darnold, so it’s great to have them both on the same team again and see them come this far,” Alissa said.
Brandon Pili (No.95) has earned a reputation as a fearsome nose tackle.Credit: Getty Images
Trinity and Kayla returned to the US on Saturday (AEDT), but they loved watching their sister “in her element” in the WNBL and are just as excited for their family to be reunited at the Super Bowl.
“It’s exciting because he’s never been in a game this big before, so I’m happy for him,” Kayla said of Brandon.
“He’s living his dream. I’m excited to watch him play and I hope they win.”
Alissa has also become a fan favorite among members of Victoria’s growing Samoan community. His father’s family is originally from Samoa, and he grew up in Hawaii.
Pili can’t wait to reunite with her family in San Francisco, with a twist.Credit: EddieJim
There are a growing number of Polynesian players in Australian basketball and Alissa is proud to be a role model, just as she was back in the US during her college career and WNBA stops in Minnesota and Los Angeles.
“I love seeing our community come to the games and support me. [and] “It’s such a shame for little girls to come up to me after the game and it motivates me to continue to inspire them,” he said.
“It’s starting to happen more and more [Polynesian basketballers] and I think representation is very important; I’m absolutely proud to do this for our community.
Trinity couldn’t help but smile as she remembered the looks of young girls approaching her sister.
“It’s really sweet to see them respect someone we looked up to growing up,” she said.
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