On episode 199 I am delighted to be joined by Grace Prenter, freshman at the University of Texas. 

One of the most exciting young talents to emerge from the island of Ireland Grace is grew up playing in south Dublin. She took to many sports including basketball at Meteors, Gaelic football in Kilmacud Crokes and athletics with Dundrum South Dublin athletics club. 

However basketball took over as she honed her craft not only with her club but during extra sessions with her family whenever they could find an open gym. Despite an early set back she progressed through the Irish underage system. From winning the AICCs in 2022, to multiple national cup wins, super league at 16, and representing her country across multiple age groups at the FIBA European Championships. 

In 2023 she become a key figure in Irish international squads with two of her teams finishing in the top 6 at the U18 and U20 levels in 2023 and 2025.  

She dreamed of playing college basketball in the US and planned a prep year after completing her leaving cert last summer. However a call from the University of Texas changed her path. She would soon commit to Coach Vic and the longhorns following a visit to campus where she began in late August.  

We recorded this episode on campus in Austin at the Kevin Durant Basketball center. We sat overlooking the Austin skyline from the team film room discussing her path to the states, life in Texas and being a longhorn. We also uncover the setbacks, and opportunities she has embraced along the way. 

Since recording this episode in person Grace won the Players Era thanksgiving tournament in Las Vegas. The longhorns beat both UCLA and South Carolina to claim the trophy and have since been ranked 2nd in the country. 

Grace is the first ever Irish player to be part of the Texas program. Her path was built on determination, self belief and hard work. But also thanks to the support and strength of those around her including family and friends. Her work rate has outshot her evident talent as continues to maximise all of her opportunities. It’s safe to say the future is bright for young Prenter. 

This is Spotlight Her — where we celebrate the athletes, the journey, and the game.

The Spotlight Her series is a collaboration with Basketball Ireland  supported by sport ireland   

Follow Grace here

https://www.instagram.com/graceprenterr/

Follow Texas Women's Basketball

https://www.instagram.com/texaswbb/

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Recorded using Samson Q2 microphone, Edited using GarageBand

Intro music, Watered Eyes by a talented Irish artist, Dillon Ward check him out ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ . 

If you are looking to set up your own podcast get in touch with the Prymal Productions team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prymal.ie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠