Record-breaking achievements often serve as the pinnacle of recognition in any field. For Rena Wakama, her journey is defined by such milestones, making her a standout figure in the realm of basketball. As the head coach of Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Basketball Team, D’Tigress, and a former assistant coach at Tulane University, Wakama has shattered glass ceilings and set new standards.
Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the excellence and potential that Nigerians bring to the global stage. This spotlight delves into her extraordinary journey, from her early life and education to her impressive career as a player and coach.
Wakama’s Early Life and Education
Rena Wakama was born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Nigerian parents Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba, who hails from Okrika, Rivers State. Growing up in a family that valued education and hard work, Wakama pursued her academic interests with vigor.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Carolina University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College. These academic achievements laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors both on and off the basketball court.
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Career Beginnings and Playing Days
Wakama’s passion for basketball was ignited by her cousin, Onimisi Aiyede, at a young age. At Western Carolina University, she was a standout player for the Catamounts, starting in 121 games over her four-year college career. During her senior year, she averaged 10.4 points per game and earned Southern Conference All-Tournament Second Team honors. Her dedication to the sport extended beyond the court, as she was a three-time SoCon Academic Team honoree.
Following her graduation in 2014, Wakama briefly played professional basketball. She represented Nigeria’s First Bank at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women and traveled to Cameroon with D’Tigress for the 2015 Women’s Afrobasket competition, where Nigeria placed third. Due to a missed registration deadline, Wakama’s name was not listed on the Nigerian national roster for that competition.These experiences as a player were crucial in shaping her understanding of the game and preparing her for a future in coaching.
Transition to Coaching: A New Journey for Wakama
Wakama’s transition from player to coach was seamless, driven by her deep understanding of the game and her desire to mentor the next generation of athletes. She began her coaching career at Manhattan College, serving as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations for two years. In this role, she handled the day-to-day operations of the program, including organizing team travel, overseeing student managers, running fundraising events, and assisting with community service initiatives.
In her third year at Manhattan College, Wakama was promoted to assistant coach. She was responsible for developing wing and guard position players while serving as the team’s academics and community service liaison. Under her mentorship, the team achieved significant academic and athletic success.
Players like Davis and Brazil Harvey-Carr flourished, earning postseason All-MAAC honors. Davis, in particular, was selected as a First Team All-MAAC member and scored her 1,000th point during the MAAC Championship Semifinals, where she also set a career-high of 35 points in the championship game.
Wakama’s influence extended beyond the court. The Jaspers earned a program-high 3.61 team GPA and placed fifth nationally in community service hours for all Division I women’s basketball. This holistic approach to player development, focusing on academics and athletics, set Wakama apart as a coach dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Wakama Makes History with D’Tigress
In 2023, Rena Wakama made history by becoming the first female head coach of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Basketball Team. Despite being appointed less than a month before the Afrobasket tournament in Rwanda, Wakama led the team to victory, making them the second team to win the championship four times in a row. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time a female coach had won the competition since its inception in 1966.
Wakama’s leadership brought a refreshing change to women’s basketball in Africa, ending 57 years of male dominance in coaching the sport. Her success is a testament to her strategic acumen, ability to inspire her team, and dedication to excellence. The team’s performance under her guidance was nothing short of spectacular, with D’Tigress defeating Senegal 84-74 in the championship game.
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Achievements and Impact
Rena Wakama has consistently demonstrated her commitment to developing talent and fostering excellence throughout her career. As an assistant coach at Tulane University, she continues to mentor and inspire young athletes, helping them reach their full potential both on and off the court. Her work at Manhattan College, where she developed multiple players to earn All-MAAC honors, is a testament to her coaching abilities and dedication to her players’ success.
Under Wakama’s guidance, the Jaspers achieved their best conference finish since 2011. Players like Dee Dee Davis, Courtney Warley, and Emily LaPointe flourished, earning individual accolades and contributing to the team’s success. Wakama also oversaw the program’s annual #playGREEN kids summer camp, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and player development.
In her first two years as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations, Wakama handled the program’s day-to-day operations, including organizing team travel and overseeing student managers. She also ran all fundraising events and assisted with the program’s community service initiatives. These roles provided her invaluable experience and prepared her for future coaching positions.
Wakama’s achievements are not just limited to her coaching career. As a player, she made significant contributions to the teams she represented. Her 2015 Women’s Afrobasket tournament performance and participation in the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women highlight her talent and dedication to the sport.
Rena Wakama’s journey from a young girl in Raleigh, North Carolina, to a history-making basketball coach is a story of resilience, dedication, and breaking barriers. Her impact on the sport, particularly in Nigerian and African women’s basketball, is profound and inspirational.
As we celebrate Rena Wakama’s achievements, let’s continue to support and follow her journey. Whether you are an aspiring athlete, a coach, or a sports enthusiast, let her story motivate you to pursue excellence and break new ground in your endeavors.