Rena Wakama (born 11 April 1992) is a Nigerian basketball coach and former professional basketball player who has been named as the head coach of the Nigerian womens basketball team “D’Tigress”.
She served as an assistant coach at Manhattan college and two years as director of women’s basketball operations before then.
Rena played basketball professionally in the United Kingdom, FIBA African basketball league and also in the Senior Nigeria national team before becoming a coach.
She is the current head coach of the D’Tigress.
Early life and career
Rena Wakama was born on the 11th of April 1992 and hails from Rivers state, Nigeria.
Rena Wakama graduated with a degree in Therapeutic recreation from the Western Carolina and an MBA from Manhattan.
Rena Wakama Education
Rena Wakama is a talented basketball player, but she is also a dedicated student. She graduated from Western Carolina with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and continued her studies by earning an MBA from Manhattan. This academic background demonstrates her dedication to personal development and provides aspirant athletes with an encouraging role model.
Rena Wakama transitioned into teaching after her playing career, which has proven to be a natural step for her. At present, she assists the head coach at Stony Brook University in the United States. She has invaluable insights to help develop and mentor the upcoming crop of basketball talent thanks to her coaching experience and her time as a player.
Career
Rena served as an assistant coach at Manhattan college and two years as director of women’s basketball operations before then.
Rena played basketball professionally in the United Kingdom, FIBA African basketball league and also in the Senior Nigeria national team before becoming a coach.
Rena Wakama was named as the head coach of the Nigerian womens basketball team “D’Tigress” in 2023.
After being appointed the head coach of the Nigerian womens basketball team, Rena said “It is a great honor that I will forever be grateful for. This opportunity is truly a dream come true and I am sure, I will not be the last. I will represent this team and our country, with a lot of passion, pride, and dedication,” she stated.
Wakama who enjoyed a proper basketball background, shone brightly in her High School days, thus receiving a 4-year full scholarship at Western Caroline. She went on to play professionally for 2 years, before she started her coaching career.
On her views about the state of basketball in Nigeria, she responded confidently about her knowledge of Nigeria and African basketball, and of course, her unflinching desire to take the game higher in the country.
“I am very knowledgeable. I have been studying Nigerian basketball since I was a young player and am now in coaching. I’m aware of the great history and tradition of winning. I will dedicate my all to making sure we maintain the standard of excellence in African basketball I shall work to help elevate the game and teach the game, the right way. And also create opportunities and exposure for not only the great players but great coaches in Nigeria.
I’m very confident that we will be very competitive. I’m coming up with passion, pride, and commitment. I will protect and fight for our girls and keep Nigeria at the forefront of excellence.”
She is Nigeria’s first women basketball head Coach and the first woman coach to win the AfroWomen Basketball Championship.
Parents and family
Rena parents are Mr and Mrs Wakama. Her father is late.
Rena wishes her mom a happy birthday;
Partner/ Husband
Rena Wakama is currently single and not dating or in an open relationship for now. She is also not yet married.
Does Rena has kids?: No, Rena Wakama has no kids at the moment.
Net worth
Rena Wakama has an estimated net worth of around $1.5 million – $5 million.
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