Saori Miyazaki, the point guard for Japan’s women’s basketball national team, has officially announced her marriage, making waves not just as an athlete, but as a role model for women in sports. The 29-year-old star, who played pivotal roles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and is set to compete in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, shared the news with her fans and supporters on social media on January 13, 2023.
Miyazaki took to Instagram to reveal her marriage to Kazuki Enomoto, who is also 29 and a former baseball player for the ENEOS team. She began her announcement by expressing gratitude to her supporters and mentioned, “I want my decision to become one choice for all female athletes.” With her usual cheerfulness, she posted photos of herself with her husband, showing off her sparkling wedding ring.
This announcement signifies not only a personal milestone for Miyazaki but also offers insight on her commitment to balancing her personal life as she continues to thrive as an athlete. "This marriage is a great opportunity to redefine my attitude as an athlete," she stated, emphasizing her desire to continue excelling on the court.
Since her professional debut, Miyazaki has emerged as one of the leading players for the ENEOS Sunflowers, and her leadership was showcased last season when she captained her team. Her performance during the last Olympic Games, where the Japanese team secured a silver medal, has inspired many young athletes across the nation.
Miyazaki also touched on the importance of her marriage for women athletes, insisting, “I look forward to building a fun family.” Her words resonate deeply within the sports community, where issues of personal sacrifice often clash with professional dedication, particularly for female athletes who face unique challenges.
She and Enomoto had been together for approximately four to five years before tying the knot, as the athlete had prior commitments to her rigorous training and competition schedules. Their love story is filled with mutual support, and they were engaged for two years before officially becoming partners.
Choosing to maintain her maiden name for domestic league play, Miyazaki highlighted her desire to keep her identity and achievements intact, especially as she prepares for international competition, where she will adopt her husband’s surname.
The announcement received widespread admiration from fans, fellow athletes, and the broader sports community. Notably, swimmer Rikako Ikeda and many other prominent figures congratulated her on the milestone. The response is reflective of Miyazaki’s influence and the admiration she garners as both an athlete and person.
Despite the mixed emotions some might associate with the pressures of marriage and competition, Miyazaki has vowed to continue pursuing success on the basketball court. “This marriage will motivate me even more to become the best version of myself, both at home and on the court,” she expressed fervently.
Her reflections on the balance between personal life and athletic commitments serve as both encouraging and empowering. Miyazaki has become emblematic of strength, representing not just personal achievement but also the broader narrative of women claiming their place within competitive sports.
With her new chapter beginning, all eyes are on Saori Miyazaki as she maintains her focus on the upcoming Paris Olympics, aiming to lead her team to victory, embodying her beliefs, and inspiring future generations.
From her heartfelt announcement to the support she receives, Miyazaki continues to make her mark, proving to be not only exceptional on the basketball court but also influential off it.