Rena Wakama, born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a remarkable figure in the world of basketball. Raised by Nigerian parents, Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba, from Okrika in Rivers State, Nigeria, Wakama has made a significant impact both on and off the court.
Education and Early Basketball Career
Wakama attended Western Carolina University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation in 2014. During her college years, she played four seasons with the Catamounts, the university’s women’s basketball team, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport.
Transition to Coaching
After her college graduation, Wakama joined the D’Tigress in 2015 and traveled to Cameroon for the Women’s Afrobasket competition, where Nigeria finished third. This experience marked the beginning of her journey in professional basketball.
Professional Experience
Wakama’s playing career continued with Nigeria’s First Bank team at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women. This stint provided her with invaluable experience and a deep understanding of high-level competition.
Coaching Career
Wakama’s coaching journey took a significant turn when she moved to Manhattan College. Starting as the operations director for the women’s basketball team, she was soon promoted to assistant coach. In this role, she honed her coaching skills, managing academic and volunteer responsibilities, and developing strategies that would later prove crucial.
Historic Victory
Tuesday, 29 July 2024, Wakama led the Nigerian senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, to a stunning 75-62 victory over Australia, the world’s third-best women’s basketball team, at the ongoing Olympic Games. This landmark victory is a testament to Wakama’s coaching acumen and the team’s hard work, marking a proud moment for Nigeria on the global stage.
Rena Wakama’s journey from a college athlete to a trailblazing coach is an inspiring story of perseverance, talent, and leadership. Under her guidance, D’Tigress is set to achieve even greater heights in the world of basketball.
