At the end of 2023, a right ankle injury forced a long-term absence.For Machida, who is aiming for her first W League victory, it was an event that could have broken her spirit, but she never gave up.It was because her teammates covered the gap she left and bravely fought with all their might.And she made a comeback in the late season, becoming a driving force behind the league victory.Having fulfilled her long-cherished dream, what might she be thinking now?What came out of Machida's mouth was gratitude towards his teammates and his feelings for the world of women's basketball.

――Firstly, congratulations on your first W League victory.How did you feel the moment the victory was decided?

Thank you.The moment the match ended, the faces of those who had been involved with the team and myself until now came to mind, and I was filled with joy.I believe it was a victory won by everyone, not just the regular members, but also the bench members and the staff, so I was really happy.

――As a veteran player within the team, I believe you were also in a position to inspire the team.What kind of communication were you mindful of throughout the season?

As I mentioned in a previous interview, I continued to maintain one-on-one communication.However, as a team, our policy was to maintain close communication, so we consciously implemented things like frequently gathering everyone for discussions or going out for meals with a few people to exchange opinions.I believe that contributed to enhancing the unity of the team.

――Now that you’ve achieved your goal, what would you like to say to your teammates?

I really want to say “thank you” from the bottom of my heart.I got injured midway through the season, and I was on the verge of feeling disheartened.Even so, my colleagues covered for the part I missed, and I felt the unity of the team even more strongly.Having seen the state of my comrades, I was determined to return and contribute to the team.I have nothing but gratitude for my teammates.I’m glad that I was able to return safely during the season and share the joy of winning.

――What kind of communication do you have with BT・Toews HC?

I have been guided by him for a long time, and he treats me like family.The position of a point guard is like that of a command tower, responsible for conveying the head coach’s intended tactics to the team. However, as a player who has been with the team for a long time, I also saw it as my job to connect the head coach and the players. Therefore, I made sure to actively communicate from my end as well.Of course, he also talks to Frank openly.We talk not only about basketball, but also about private matters.

――Specifically, what kind of story?

“You were off yesterday, what were you doing?”Like this(laughs).It feels rather trivial.I believe he is a head coach who is easy to communicate with, as he interacts frankly not just with me, but with various players.

――Despite not being one of the taller basketball players, could you tell us about your unique strengths?

I believe my strength lies in utilizing speed in my play, as it’s quite hard to win with just power and height.But more than anything else, I am conscious of playing while thinking and devising strategies.For example, against an opponent who I can’t beat in terms of height, I am always thinking about how to throw off their timing so I can make a shot, or which course to pass the ball in order to reach the goal in the shortest distance.Physical abilities have no relation to the act of “thinking”.I believe that might be a unique way of fighting, if it were me.

――What do you feel is necessary to further enhance the world of women’s basketball in the future?

I believe that it is important to create opportunities for people to watch games.In international competitions and the like, there is a lot of exposure to the media, and if you perform well, you will attract attention.Last year, the Japanese men’s basketball team made a splash in the World Cup, attracting a lot of attention, didn’t they?First and foremost, it’s important to deliver results on a big stage like that.I believe that if there are opportunities to teach basketball to local children, similar to a clinic format, they might become more interested.I not only want to play, but also want to convey the fun of basketball through events and such.

――Could you please give some advice to children who aspire to become basketball players in the future?

I want to tell you not to give up because of your physique or environment.Rather, there are many plays that can be made precisely because of a smaller stature, and if such players are performing well on the court, they stand out and look cool just by doing so.In other words, it all depends on how you think.If you have a love for basketball, I hope you give it your all.

Despite a period of absence due to injury, ultimately, Machida shone at the top of the assist ranking.Even if one is not blessed with a strong physique, they demonstrated through results that they can excel depending on their ingenuity.She will surely continue to captivate fans with her unique style of play.Today as well,  Machida does not cease to think and make efforts.For the W League championship and a better future for women’s basketball.

INTERVIEW: Kodai Wada PHOTO: Teppei Hori EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)