For the B. Braun Sheffield Hatters, the Betty Codona Trophy Final represents far more than the first piece of silverware of the Super League Basketball season.
Named in honour of Betty Codona OBE, whose impact underpins the very existence of the club having founded the club over 60 years ago, the trophy carries deep emotional significance — something 24-year-old Austrian forward Nina Krisper is acutely aware of as Sheffield prepare to face Caledonia Gladiators at Utilita Arena Birmingham on Sunday.
“I can’t even explain how excited I am, especially given this is the Betty Codona Trophy Final and what that means for the club,” the Austrian said.
“We were disappointed not to get there last season, but we’ve worked extremely hard to put that right this year and make it to the first Final of the season, so we’re just excited to get out there and show what we can do.”
Despite the scale of the occasion, there is no sense of anxiety within the Hatters camp.
For a player who has already experienced major arenas — including last season’s Play-Off Finals at The O2 and international competition with Austria in both 5×5 and 3×3 basketball — excitement has replaced nerves.
“We have no anxiety at all, honestly,” the 24-year-old added.
“I was super nervous playing in The O2 last May, but once I got out there the excitement and adrenaline took over and that’s just how I’m feeling now ahead of this Final, full of excitement and energy to get out there and prove that we can win again on stages like this against teams like Caledonia.”
Behind the Hatters’ on-court success is the consistent backing of owner Vaughn Millette, whose investment and belief in the programme have been central to the club’s continued growth.
Memories of last season’s Play-Off triumph remain powerful for the Hatters forward, after a campaign that tested the squad in every possible way, including losing the Cup Final earlier in the season.
“We finished last season winning the Play-offs at The O2 and that experience… I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it,” the Austrian added.
“We went through so many highs and lows last season so to end it that way was perfect, and we’re excited to get back to a big stage at the first opportunity this year.”
That excitement is inseparable from the deeper motivation behind this Final. The Hatters have carried a shared purpose in honour of the woman whose legacy defines the club.
“This title would mean so much to the club,” the forward added.
“Even going into the semifinals, we all said we are doing this for Betty and we want to go all the way for her and for everybody associated with her. This club is only here because of Betty and her impact.
“I wouldn’t be here without her and nor would anybody else, so we have a lot to thank her for and I’m going to give everything I have out on that court as are we all to make sure we bring her trophy back to Sheffield.”
That sense of belonging and shared values is also what drew the Austrian back to Sheffield.
“This club is so family orientated, and every time I get ready to come back here, I feel like I’m coming home,” the 24-year-old added.
“That was one of the main reasons why I wanted to come back… the people were a big reason why I wanted to come back. Everything’s very professional out here, and it’s just giving me a feeling as my second home.”
Standing in Sheffield’s way are Caledonia Gladiators, a side the Hatters know will present one of their toughest physical tests of the season.
“Caledonia is a very physical team, and I think especially this season they’re a very hard team for us to play against,” the Austrian added.
“But these are exactly the types of games on these types of stages that we are craving.”
Rather than shy away from the challenge, the Hatters are embracing it.
“These teams in these environments are what we want to play against,” she continued.
“They are matching our style of playing really well and presenting some real challenges for us this season, so we’re preparing very well for them and they better be ready for us.”
Confidence within the Sheffield camp is rooted in a roster built on size, athleticism and energy — qualities that suit Krisper’s own all-court game shaped by her background in fast-paced 3×3 basketball.
“We are very tall, very athletic and very energetic,” the 24-year-old added. “We have made some changes to the roster but I feel like everyone’s getting to know each other better.
“We all know our strengths, and everybody knows what their role on the team is. If we can put all that chemistry and competitiveness together on the court, it will help us in our journey to be successful.”
As Sheffield return to a major stage with a trophy steeped in meaning on the line, Nina Krisper’s message is clear — this is about far more than basketball.