Kiera Wilcox broke Wales' scoring record at the European Championship: "The record is a bonus"

Wilcox is 29 and plays for Bristol Thunder in the English National League. "It feels like only yesterday that I joined the Welsh team and really had to fight for my place", she says. "I never thought I would be in the squad this long, let alone break records."

During the match she did not think about it. "I was in match mode. I wasn't thinking about my next goal, only about the team's goal. It was an important and tough match against Ireland, and we won. The record is a bonus, but I'm most proud of that team performance."

The old record belonged to Campbell-Barbir, who is now an assistant with Wales. "It was very special to break the record while she was there and coaching me."

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Football first

Wilcox started korfball in her first year at university in Cardiff. "I actually wanted to play football, but my brother played korfball at university and told me I should try it."

At first she did not enjoy it. "I didn't understand the rules and I didn't like the defended rule. I also didn't think I could become someone who shoots and scores, because in other sports I always played a playmaking role."

Still, she went back, and after that the sport never let go of her, also as a coach. "I love helping a small sport grow in Wales. And I love that there are no fixed roles: everyone attacks and everyone defends."

She played her first international in 2021 at the Trinations, during the coronavirus pandemic. Since then she has played both indoors and on the beach.

To the World Championship for the first time

Wales' main goal at this European Championship was qualification for the World Championship. After the 15‑12 win over Switzerland, it was done. "I can't believe we did it. It feels unreal: it's the first time in history that Wales has officially qualified for the World Championship."

According to Wilcox, Wales has been growing since national coach Ross Carr-Taylor and Campbell-Barbir have been training the team. Wales climbed the world ranking from the late twenties to 24th place. "We want to show how far Wales has come, and how far we can go against European teams."

More korfball in Wales

After the European Championship, Wales' preparation for the World Championship begins. For korfball at home, Wilcox hopes for more youth clubs, a national youth team and korfball in schools. "At school you have sports for boys and sports for girls, like netball, but few mixed sports. Korfball teaches children a lot: not just sporting skills, but also communication, teamwork and respect."

In Wales, korfball is mainly something of the south. Wilcox would like to see clubs in Mid and North Wales too. "It's beautiful there. I wouldn't complain if I had to go north at the weekend for a match."

Her dream is Wales in the world's top twenty. "With the right commitment and coaching, Wales can really go far, and take on teams like England." On Friday Wales plays its last match at this European Championship, for ninth or eleventh place.