Rena Wakama has made history as the first Nigerian female head coach of the national basketball team. Her impressive career, spanning various roles in sports and corporate sectors, is a testament to her dedication and passion for basketball. This article delves into her journey, accomplishments, and personal life, offering a comprehensive look at this inspiring figure.
Rena Wakama’s Biography
| Date Of Birth: 11 April
Birth Year: 1992 |
Father: Johnson Wakama
Mother: Rosana Oba |
| Age: 32 years old | Siblings: Two Sisters |
| Zodiac Sign: Aries | Relationship Status: Single |
| Birth Place: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA | Married Date: N/A |
| Nationality: American | Husband: N/A |
| Religion: Christian | Children: N/A |
| Ethnicity: Black | Profession: Head Coach |
| Height: 5 feet 7 inches | Net worth: $1 million to $5 million |
| Weight: Decent | Wikipedia: No |
| Education: B.A.Sc in Therapeutic Recreation/ Recreational Therapy,
MBA (Master of Business Administration) |
Instagram: Link
Facebook: Link |
| College: Western Carolina University, Manhattan College | X: Link |
Who Is Rena Wakama? Wikipedia Details
Rena Wakama was born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. She is the daughter of Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba, natives of Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria. Raised alongside her two sisters, Yonne and Mina Wakama, Rena developed a love for basketball at a young age, inspired by her cousin, Onimisi Aiyede.
Educational Journey
Rena’s academic pursuits were as impressive as her athletic achievements. She completed high school with excellent grades and went on to attend Western Carolina University in 2010. There, she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc) in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy in 2014. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Manhattan College.
Athletic Career
Rena’s passion for basketball was evident throughout her time at Western Carolina University, where she played for the Western Carolina Catamounts for four years. Her college career laid the foundation for her future in professional basketball. After college, she joined D’Tigers, Nigeria’s national basketball team, and played in the 2015 Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Cameroon. She also represented Nigeria’s First Bank at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup.
Professional Journey
Rena Wakama’s professional career began in October 2014 as a professional athlete with FIBA in the United Kingdom. She later played for FIBA Africa in Nigeria from August to December 2015. Her athletic prowess and leadership skills eventually led her to a pivotal role at Manhattan College.
Role at Manhattan College
Since October 2017, Rena has served as the Director of Basketball Operations at Manhattan College, based in the Greater New York City Area. In this role, she manages the women’s basketball yearly budget, oversees administrative operations, and ensures the smooth running of the basketball program. Her contributions have been instrumental in enhancing the college’s basketball operations.
Head Coach of Nigerian National Team
In a historic move, Rena Wakama became the first female head coach of the Nigerian national basketball team. Her appointment is a significant milestone for women’s sports in Nigeria, showcasing her exceptional leadership and coaching abilities. Her journey from player to coach is a testament to her dedication to the sport and her desire to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Personal Life
Rena Wakama is currently single and has not publicly discussed her personal life in detail. She prefers to keep her private life away from the media spotlight, focusing instead on her professional career. Her dedication to basketball and her role as a coach remains her primary focus.
Physical Attributes
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall, Rena Wakama’s athletic build complements her commanding presence on and off the basketball court. Her physical fitness and dedication to training have played a crucial role in her success as an athlete and coach.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Rena Wakama has an estimated net worth ranging from $1 million to $5 million. Her income is derived from her various roles in sports and corporate sectors. As a head coach and director of basketball operations, she has built a financially stable and successful career, affording her a comfortable lifestyle.
Contributions to Basketball and Community
Rena’s contributions to basketball extend beyond her professional roles. She has been a source of inspiration and motivation for young athletes, particularly in Nigeria. Her journey from a Division 1 athlete to a head coach serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved with passion, dedication, and hard work.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Rena Wakama’s future in basketball coaching and management appears promising. Her role as the head coach of the Nigerian national team and her position at Manhattan College provide a solid foundation for further achievements. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards in women’s sports, her influence is set to grow even further.
Conclusion
Rena Wakama’s journey from a passionate young basketball player in Raleigh, North Carolina, to a trailblazing head coach and director of basketball operations is nothing short of inspirational. Her dedication to the sport, her impressive academic and professional achievements, and her role as a leader in women’s sports make her a remarkable figure in the world of basketball. As she continues to make strides in her career, Rena Wakama’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and coaches.
