By Korede James
D’Tigress of Nigeria head coach Rena Wakama has been apointed by US Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team Chicago Sky as an assistant coach.
Chicago Sky announced on Tuesday that Wakama will join head coach Tyler Marsh’s staff.
Wakama’s appointment comes after the Chicago Sky previously named Courtney Paris and Tanisha Wright as assistant coaches.
“The Raleigh, North Carolina native joined the coaching staff at Tulane in 2024 as an assistant coach,” the club said about Wakama.
“Prior to her time with the Green Wave, she spent a year at Stony Brook in a similar role from 2023-2024, where she helped lead the team to a 28-5 overall record after winning the Coastal Athletic Association regular season title with a 16-2 record.
“She also spent six years at Manhattan College as the director of basketball operations and then as an assistant coach with the Jaspers.
“Wakama was also a former standout collegiate player out of Western Carolina University from 2010 to 2014, where she was named Southern Conference All-Tournament Second Team Honors and a three-time SoCon Academic Team honoree.
“She made 121 starts over her four-year career and averaged 10.4 points per game in her senior year with the Catamounts.”
Commenting on Wakama’s appointment Chicago Sky coach Marsh said: “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.
“She is an excellent young leader and coach who will make a significant impact on the Sky’s program.”
Also speaking after her appointment Wakama stated: “I am honoured and thankful for 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. I look forward to serving this organization and working alongside the 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!”
Wakama was appointed D’Tigress head coach in June 2023 and became the first female coach to ever win the Women’s AfroBasketball title just two months after taking charge.
The 32-year-old led D’Tigress to the quarter-final stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s basketball event, a feat which no African team, men or women, had achieved before.
Following D’Tigress’ impressive performance at the Games she was named Paris 2024 Best Coach.
