Rena Wakama joins Chicago Sky as Assistant Coach
The Chicago Sky have officially announced the appointment of Rena Wakama, the current head coach of the Nigerian Women’s National Basketball Team, as an assistant coach ahead of the 2025 WNBA season. This move follows her remarkable performance with the D’Tigress during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she led Nigeria to a historic quarterfinal appearance, the first time any African basketball team, male or female, has reached that stage at the Olympic Games.
Her appointment adds further strength to Head Coach Tyler Marsh’s backroom team, which already includes Courtney Paris and Tanisha Wright. Wakama’s inclusion is being hailed as a landmark moment for African basketball and a testament to her rapid rise in the global basketball coaching ranks.
Who is Rena Wakama? Former NCAA Player and AfroBasket Champion Coach
For those asking, “Who is Rena Wakama?”, the new Chicago Sky assistant coach has built an impressive résumé both on and off the court. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Nigerian parents, Wakama played her college basketball at Western Carolina University from 2010 to 2014, where she earned Southern Conference All-Tournament Second Team Honors and was named to the SoCon Academic Team three times. She averaged 10.4 points per game in her senior year, finishing with 121 starts over her collegiate career.
Her coaching career took off with roles at Manhattan College, where she served as both director of basketball operations and later as an assistant coach. After a successful six-year stint, Wakama moved on to Stony Brook University, helping the team clinch a 28-5 record and a Coastal Athletic Association regular season title. In 2024, she joined Tulane University as an assistant coach before being tapped by the Chicago Sky.
Rena Wakama’s success with the Nigerian National Basketball Team
Wakama made headlines in 2023 when she was appointed Head Coach of the Nigerian Women’s National Basketball Team (D’Tigress). Just two months into the job, she made history by becoming the first female coach to win the Women’s AfroBasket title, guiding Nigeria to victory in the 2023 tournament. Her biggest moment came during the 2024 Summer Olympics, where she led the team to the quarterfinals, a feat no African basketball team had ever achieved at the Olympics.
Her success did not go unnoticed, with FIBA naming her Best Coach of the tournament. Her leadership and strategic acumen during the Paris games elevated her profile globally and attracted interest from several professional teams, ultimately leading to her hiring by the Chicago Sky.
Rena Wakama on joining the Chicago Sky: “Let’s Get to Work!”
Speaking on her appointment, Wakama expressed excitement about joining the WNBA franchise:
“I am honored and thankful to Jeff and Tyler for granting me the opportunity to join the Chicago Sky family. Tyler has one of the best basketball minds in the industry and I’m excited to help him bring his vision to life,” Wakama said.
“I look forward to serving this organization and working alongside other brilliant minds on staff to create a brand of basketball that is not only competitive but also fun to watch! Let’s get to work!”
Head Coach Tyler Marsh praised Wakama’s winning mentality and impact-driven leadership:
“Rena has proven that she has a winning mindset and attitude. We’ve seen her success this past summer with the Nigerian National Team at the Olympics, building on an impressive winning record and extensive background in coaching and player development.”
Chicago Sky 2025 Season Opener and Preseason Games
The Chicago Sky will begin their 2025 WNBA season on Saturday, May 17, facing the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The team also has three preseason games lined up, including two matches against the Minnesota Lynx (May 6 and May 10) and one against the Brazilian National Team at LSU on May 2.
Why Rena Wakama’s Appointment Matters: Representation, Talent, and Global Growth
Rena Wakama’s addition to the Chicago Sky coaching staff is more than just a hire, it’s a powerful message about the growing influence of African coaches in global sports, especially in women's basketball. Her rise from NCAA player to international coaching trailblazer, and now WNBA assistant coach, showcases what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
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