Rena Wakama Makes Waves As She Joins Chicago Sky Basketball Team In The USA

The club confirmed Wakama’s appointment on Tuesday, highlighting her strong coaching background and player development skills.

She will work alongside head coach Tyler Marsh and assistant coaches Courtney Paris and Tanisha Wright, forming a strategic team aimed at enhancing the Sky’s performance.

“Rena brings a winning mentality and an outstanding work ethic,” head coach Marsh stated on the club’s official website.

“Her remarkable achievements with the Nigerian national team, particularly at the Olympics, along with her expertise in player development, make her an invaluable asset to our team. She is a young leader with immense potential, and I am confident she will play a key role in our future success.”

Wakama took charge of D’Tigress in June 2023 and quickly made history by leading the team to their fourth consecutive women’s AfroBasket title in Rwanda.

Under her leadership, Nigeria reached new heights at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing historic wins against Australia and Canada before making it to the quarter-finals—a first for any African basketball team, male or female—before bowing out to the USA.

Recognized for her coaching excellence, Wakama was named Best Coach by FIBA after her team’s stellar Olympic run.

Expressing her excitement about the new role, Wakama said, “I am honored and grateful to Jeff and Tyler for this opportunity to join the Chicago Sky family. Tyler has one of the sharpest basketball minds, and I look forward to supporting his vision for the team.

“I’m eager to contribute to this organization and work with an incredible staff to develop a competitive and entertaining style of basketball. Let’s get to work!”

The Chicago Sky will open their 2025 regular season on Saturday, May 17, against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, aiming for a strong start to their campaign.