Saint Lucia welcomed home one of its newest sporting stars on Thursday, June 25, as 2026 American Defensive Player of the Year Megan Nestor returned to the island to a warm reception at Hewanorra International Airport.
Family members, officials from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, representatives of the sporting community and supporters gathered to celebrate the Canaries native, whose achievements have continued to raise Saint Lucia’s profile on the international basketball stage.
Addressing those gathered, Nestor expressed heartfelt appreciation for the encouragement she has received throughout her career, saying the support of her family, community and country had been instrumental to her success.
“Every bit of support has helped me get to where I am today,” she said. “Your belief in me leaves an indelible feeling and inspires me to keep soaring.”
Reflecting on her humble beginnings, Nestor encouraged young Saint Lucians to pursue their ambitions regardless of their circumstances.
“Coming from a small village like Canaries, I want every young person to know that your dreams are valid, no matter where you come from,” she said. “Never let your circumstances determine your future.”
She urged aspiring athletes and young people across the island to remain committed to their goals.
“Stay disciplined, work hard, trust the process, and believe in yourself, even when others may not see your vision. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but consistency, sacrifice, and faith can take you places you never imagined.”
Nestor also acknowledged the many individuals who had supported her throughout her journey.
“To anyone I may have missed who played a part in my journey, please know that I am deeply grateful. No one achieves success alone, and I appreciate every person who helped me along the way.”
She concluded by expressing hope that her accomplishments would inspire the next generation.
“I hope my journey shows every young person from Canaries and from Saint Lucia that greatness can come from anywhere.”
Among those welcoming Nestor home was Senior National Netball Team coach Shem Maxwell, who praised her achievements both on and off the court.
“She has established herself as an athlete worthy of admiration and respect,” Maxwell said. “As she continued to break barriers, embrace new challenges and excel at the highest level, proving that determination and hard work know no limits.”
He added that her success demonstrates the broader value of sport.
“Her achievements remind us that the skills learned through sports, discipline, teamwork, resilience and leadership, can open doors to endless opportunities.”
President of the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation Glen Guiste said Nestor’s success comes at an important time as the federation expands opportunities for female athletes.
“We need to collaborate a bit more, the netball community with basketball,” Guiste said. “We’re now launching our female basketball programme, which Megan has agreed to be a mentor on.”
Minister for Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casimir described Nestor as a powerful role model for young women throughout the country.
“I’m very excited about you as an example to young women in Saint Lucia,” Casimir said. “Our women have really done well, really, really, really done well.”
He said Nestor’s story offers valuable lessons for young athletes aspiring to compete internationally.
“I’m excited to allow them to see you and meet you, and to really tap into some of your experiences coming out from the community of Canaries, going to school in Soufrière, and of course your transition and journey to the collegiate level and now professional level, be it in Europe.”
“I think we can all look to what you’ve been doing and see how we can chart that course.”
Parliamentary Representative for Anse La Raye/Canaries Wayne Girard also congratulated Nestor and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting young athletes.
“We are very proud of you. We will continue to stand by you in whatever capacity we can,” Girard said.
He also used the occasion to highlight assistance available through the Youth Economy Agency for aspiring sportsmen and sportswomen.
“If you get a request from a team overseas that says to you, ‘Come try out,’ you apply to the Youth Economy Agency, we will help you make that journey,” he explained. “It’s a very important initiative. The Prime Minister says to me, ‘Please, Minister, ensure that the young athletes of this country know that they’re not alone.'”