Arike Ogunbowale strives for excellence both on and off the pitch – Essence

In the Yoruba language, the name Arike means “a child that is cherished, cared for, pampered and loved.” WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale was special from birth – and today the whole world knows it. In just six seasons, she became the fastest player in league history to reach 4,000 points and also surpassed the Dallas Wings' points record. For an athlete who has achieved so much, she still has a lot more to give.

Born in Milwaukee to Nigerian parents, Ogunbowale grew up in an environment steeped in sports. Her mother was a former softball player at DePaul University and her brother Dare played football at the University of Wisconsin before entering the NFL as a running back for the Houston Texans. As a child, Ogunbowale displayed athletic prowess in multiple sports, contributing to four state football championships during her middle school years. However, her passion shifted to basketball, where she rose to prominence at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, earning accolades such as Wisconsin Miss Basketball and a McDonald's All-American selection.

The point guard's career took off when she joined the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, eventually leading the team to the national championship in 2018. Since being drafted by the Wings the following year, Ogunbowale has received numerous accolades, including four All-Star nominations and two All-Star MVPs – the most recent of which came during the thrilling game in Phoenix on Feb. 18. “I just love having fun and playing with a lot of super-great players – that's what I always look forward to at an All-Star game,” she says.

Despite all her success, the 27-year-old is aware of her responsibility to influence the next generation. “I was lucky to have two amazing parents who always did their best for me and then some,” says Arike. “I know how hard it is to leave Milwaukee, so that's always my mindset when I see young kids: I always try to be the best person for them.”

“I know I'm a role model,” she continues. “It's just because of being in the position that you are, so I definitely embrace it. I want to be the kind of person that people look up to. Young boys, young girls, young black kids – it doesn't matter. I want to be someone that they can see themselves in. So I know I'm a role model, and I try to act like one because I know people are watching.”

The past year has been memorable for the popular basketball star on both a personal and professional level. After establishing herself as one of the WNBA's most prolific scorers, the only thing that has eluded Ogunbowale during her illustrious career is a league title. As an athlete at her best, a championship is something she can cross off her bucket list in the near future. Off the court, she reached a crucial milestone when she announced her engagement to Lala Ronay. For some, balancing home and basketball can be difficult, but for Ogunbowale, this new union has been the perfect addition to her life.

“This makes me really happy,” she says of her decision. “My biggest goal has always been to have a family and children, now I'm a little closer to that goal. This definitely brings a lot of peace and it feels like I'm going in the right direction.”