Nnemkadi Ogwumike

THE TRAILBLAZER!

nnemkadi ogwumike is the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Women’s national Basketball association (WNBA). an award, President Muhammadu Buhari called to congratulate her for. she was also recently included in Forbes magazine on the ‘30 under 30 achievers of 2016’. nnemkadi is known for her game skills, leadership qualities, academic strength and warm personality. in this interview with Konye Chelsea Nwabogor, she shares a bit about her life as a nigerian living in the United states and her love for basketball.

you were recently named the Women’s national basketball association Most valuable Player (MVP). how did that feel?

I felt incredibly honored. I’m very humbled as the reigning league MVP. Although personal accolades aren’t always what athletes strive for, this recognition should never be seen as just another trophy. Above the memories of all the hard work that went into being named MVP, I will never forget those who believed in me, helped me achieve this, and showered me with love along the way.

What was life like as a nigerian child growing up in a foreign envi-ronment?

My childhood was very balanced. We were always raised as well rounded kids who had a lot of fun. I wouldn’t quite say that my environment was foreign as I was born and raised in Houston, Tx. With this, however, my parents opened our perspective to the best of both worlds: working hard and capitalizing on American opportunities and experiences while main-taining the morals and cultural values of Nigerians.

Where you at any point in time curious about your nigerian heritage and did you make attempt to learn more about the igbo culture and language?

I’ve never had to be curious because our culture was prominent at home. Over the years, I’ve been able to pick up a bit of Igbo, learn how to cook the staple Nigerian dishes, and attend plenty of parties sporting gele! But, there’s always more to learn and experience, of which I most cer-tainly do every time I’m able to visit my family in Nigeria.

Why did you choose basketball?

I didn’t exactly choose basketball. I’d say it chose me. My parents are both athletic. My mom, especially, is very health conscious and always emphasized being healthy and active. Long story short, she signed me up in a recreational league and I grew to love the game. Once I understand the importance and correlation of academics and athletics, I received a full scholarship from Stanford University and began a serious career as an athlete.

Did you play any other sports?

Along with basketball, I ran track and played volleyball. If I weren’t a pro-fessional basketball player, I’d more than likely be a pro at volleyball.

What do you think are some of the greatest challenges female basket-ball players face?

We shouldn’t narrow it down to basketball. The challenges female ath-letes face are similar to those most working females face: stigmas, im-balanced income, and, somewhat limited opportunities. Although these things sound unpromising, life as a female athlete has grown in leaps and bounds from its birth, and current players like me can contribute to its progression.

how can you describe or identify the pride that you feel in the growth of the women’s basketball game?

I identify directly with the growth of the women’s game because I’m both a witness and contributor. The women’s game is evolving, and quickly. I’ve seen it since it gain storm up until now as it steadily gains popularity. Our efforts on and off the court are slowly turning heads. Fans, professionals, businesses, and our male counterparts hold us to higher standards.

tell us about your most vivid basketball game memory; can you identi-fy one or two that stand out above the rest?

I’d be crazy if my most vivid memory wasn’t of my most recent one: win-ning that WNBA championship! Though most of the final game was a blur, I can NEVER forget the shot I took at the end of the game. I joke with my family as we re-watch it time and time again as if I’m still not sure if it will go in knowing that it most definitely does.

in addition to basketball, what other passions do you have?

I have a passion for a few things. I’m passionate about music, a bit of fashion, and public relations. As I continue to hone in on my niche, I’m looking to further my education and pursue a career following these pas-sions.

you are practically at your peak as you have made a success of your ca-reer as an athlete. What’s next for you?

What’s amazing is that I feel that I haven’t reached my peak. There is so much more in store for me as an athlete, the league president, and a professional woman. I look forward to what the future offers and my contributions to it that can influence my constituents and entities.

Do you ever intend to come back home and enjoy life as a nigerian liv-ing in nigeria?

I visit Nigeria often and look forward to establishing a part of my life there to maintain cultural connections and visit family. I see myself visit-ing more frequently enjoying the best of both America and Nigeria.

What kinds of goals had you set for yourself as a young lady?

I’ve always focused on impacting others and being a leader as a founda-tion of my goal setting. I worked hard and focused on doing things I truly enjoyed while building character and adding value to anything I’m in-volved in. I was always interested in student groups, clubs, teams, and anything that required collaboration. Playing basketball falls directly in that category. But, I’ve found that basketball paved many avenues for me to add value to many things I do in my career. Although I never imagined myself as the WNBPA President, I quickly realized that a nomination like this ranks among goals I never knew I had. With each level I reach, I find that leadership is a role I embrace and hope to use positively and memorably.

What does work-life balance look like for you?

Balancing work may be a bit different for me than for most. Technically I work 2-5 hours a day, but the work is vigorous. Outside of my physical work at practice and in games, a steady balance includes rest, rehab, prevention, appearances, quality time with friends and family, community involvement, global opportunities, travel/vacation, etc. My professional life can appear quite cosmic, but juggling everything helps me un-derstand the beauty in balance and doing what I love.

Describe your style – what is your go-to item of clothing?

Asking about my style is the one question anyone who knows me well can truly answer. My family have found that I’m the most difficult to shop for and I love that. My style is what I feel looks good on me, so I’d like to say my style is singular and fun!

What message would you like to give to young ladies who want to play basketball professionally?

Any young girl or boy who would like to play basketball professionally should always remember one thing: From the beginning to the end of anything you aspire towards, you must never forget what got you the furthest. We all have specialties, we are all unique. Don’t forget who you are, why you’re here, and where you want to go because what you allow is what will continue.

Although personal accolades aren’t always what athletes strive for, this recognition should never be seen as just another trophy. Above the memories of all the hard work that went into being named MVP, I will never forget those who believed in me, helped me achieve this, and showered me with love along the way.