Meet Rena Wakama, a trailblazing Nigerian basketball icon, born on April 11, 1992, who has seamlessly transitioned from a stellar playing career to a coaching sensation, boasting an illustrious journey spanning over a decade, during which she has indelibly etched her name in the annals of Nigerian basketball history, first as a talented player and now as a visionary coach, helming the Nigeria Senior Women’s Basketball Team to resounding victories and inspiring a new generation of players, whilst also serving as an assistant coach at Tulane University, further solidifying her reputation as a coaching force to be reckoned with, and capping her storied career with the crowning achievement of masterminding Nigeria’s historic quarterfinal finish at the 2024 Olympics, thereby cementing her status as a coaching virtuoso.
Wiki
Full Name: Rena Wakama
Date of Birth: April 11,1992
Place of Birth: Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S
Origin: Okirika, Rivers State
Nationality: Nigerian, American
Profession: Professional Basketball Coach
Net Worth: $1 Million
Early Life & Career
Rena Wakama, born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Nigerian parents Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba from Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria, has made significant strides in the world of basketball both as a player and as a coach. Wakama’s passion for basketball was ignited at a young age by her cousin, Onimisi Aiyede. This early inspiration set the stage for a career marked by notable achievements and pioneering leadership.
Wakama pursued her higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Carolina University in 2014. Her academic journey continued with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College in 2019. These educational achievements provided a solid foundation for her multifaceted career in sports and management.
Rena Wakama’s playing career began at Western Carolina University, where she was a standout player for the Catamounts, making 121 starts over her four-year collegiate career. During her senior year in the 2013-2014 season, she averaged 10.4 points per game and received Southern Conference All-Tournament Second Team honors. She was also recognized as a three-time SoCon Academic Team honoree, underscoring her dedication both on and off the court.
After graduating, Wakama transitioned to professional basketball, playing in the United Kingdom and participating in the FIBA African Basketball League. She also represented Nigeria’s national team, D’Tigress, in the 2015 Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Cameroon, where Nigeria finished third. Although her name was not on the official team list due to a missed registration deadline, her involvement with D’Tigress marked the beginning of her international career.
Wakama’s coaching career began at Manhattan College, where she initially served as the Director of Basketball Operations. This administrative role, though away from the spotlight of the court, prepared her for the challenges of coaching. In her third year at Manhattan College, she was promoted to assistant coach, focusing on the development of wing/guard position players. Under her guidance, the Jaspers achieved a program-high 3.61 team GPA and finished fifth in Division I women’s basketball in community service hours. She played a crucial role in developing players like Davis and Brazil Harvey-Carr, who earned postseason All-MAAC accolades during the 2021/22 season.
In 2023, 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 2023 Afrobasket tournament in Rwanda, she led the team to their fourth consecutive championship title, defeating Senegal 84-74 in the final. This victory made her the first female coach to win the competition since its inception in 1966 and established D’Tigress as only the second team ever to win four consecutive titles in women’s Afrobasket history.
Wakama’s achievements extend beyond titles and championships. Her technical and managerial abilities have been pivotal in transforming D’Tigress into a formidable team on the international stage. Her innovative approach included holding open trials in the United States, Europe, Lagos, and Abuja to identify new talent for the national team. This decision, though initially met with resistance from established players, ultimately led to the discovery of fresh talent that contributed to the team’s success in Rwanda.
At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Wakama led D’Tigress to become the first African team, male or female, to qualify for the quarterfinals of basketball at the Olympics after a historic victory over Canada, winning 79-70. This achievement underscored her ability to inspire and lead her team to unprecedented heights.
Social Media
Rena Wakama has built a significant online presence, leveraging social media platforms to share her insights, experiences, and passion for basketball. On Instagram (@_coachre), she has amassed an impressive following of over 11,000 enthusiasts, who tune in for her expert analysis, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and motivational messages. Additionally, her Twitter handle (@coachrena) boasts over 8,000 followers, where she engages with fans, shares updates, and participates in thought-provoking conversations.
Personal Life
Away from the spotlight and social media world, Rena Wakama values her privacy and keeps her personal life out of the public eye. She prefers to maintain a sense of normalcy and balance, focusing on nurturing meaningful relationships and pursuing her interests beyond basketball.
Net Worth
Through her remarkable coaching career, entrepreneurial ventures, and public appearances, Rena Wakama has accumulated an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her financial success is a testament to her hard work, innovative approach, and dedication to empowering women in sports.
