Nneka Ogwumike is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential players in league history, Ogwumike is a former MVP, WNBA champion, and a leader both on and off the court.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Nnemkadi Chinwe Victoria “Nneka” Ogwumike
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Date of Birth: July 2, 1990
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Hometown: Cypress, Texas
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Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
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Weight: 190 lbs (86 kg)
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Position: Forward
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High School: Cy-Fair High School
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Led team to 5A State Championship in her senior season
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Averaged 16.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.4 steals, 0.8 blocks per game
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WBCA High School All-America Game MVP (2008)
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Family:
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Oldest of four sisters who all played Division I basketball
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Sister Chiney Ogwumike was also a WNBA first overall draft pick
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First generation Nigerian-American
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College Career: Stanford (2008–2012)
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Four-year standout for the Stanford Cardinal
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Accolades:
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Led Stanford to four consecutive NCAA Final Fours
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Second all-time leading scorer in Stanford women’s basketball history
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Three-time Wade Trophy and Wooden Award finalist
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Pac-10 Player of the Year
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Gold medal with Team USA at the World University Games (2011)
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Set Stanford single-game rebounding record (23 rebounds)
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Scored a career-high 42 points against Tennessee
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Surpassed 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds
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Graduated with a BA in Psychology
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 1st overall, 2012 WNBA Draft by Los Angeles Sparks
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Teams:
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Los Angeles Sparks (2012–2023)
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Seattle Storm (2024–present)
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WNBA Stats (through 2025):
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Career averages: ~16 points, 8 rebounds, 2–3 assists per game
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2016 (MVP season): 19.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists per game
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2023: 19.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists per game
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2024–2025 (Seattle Storm): 16.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists per game
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Shooting efficiency: Over 54% field goal percentage
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Playoff averages: 14.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists per game
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International:
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EuroLeague champion with Dynamo Kursk (Russia)
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WCBA champion with Guangdong (China)
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Polish League champion with CCC Polkowice
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Gold medalist with Team USA at FIBA World Cup (2018)
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WNBA Honors:
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Nine-time WNBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2022–2024)
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WNBA MVP (2016)
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WNBA champion (2016)
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WNBA Rookie of the Year (2012)
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All-WNBA First Team (2016)
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All-WNBA Second Team (2014, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023)
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WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2015–2017, 2019)
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WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018, 2023)
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Named to W25 (top 25 players in WNBA history)
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President of the WNBA Players Association since 2016
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Achievements & Honors
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WNBA MVP (2016)
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WNBA champion (2016)
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WNBA Rookie of the Year (2012)
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Nine-time WNBA All-Star
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All-WNBA First Team (2016)
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All-WNBA Second Team (2014, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023)
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WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2015–2017, 2019)
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WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018, 2023)
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W25 (top 25 players in WNBA history)
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EuroLeague champion (Dynamo Kursk)
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WCBA champion (Guangdong)
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Polish League champion (CCC Polkowice)
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FIBA World Cup gold medalist (Team USA, 2018)
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World University Games gold medalist (Team USA, 2011)
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Stanford record holder in rebounds and second in scoring
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President of the WNBA Players Association (since 2016)
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Advocate for social justice, equality, and women’s empowerment
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite scoring, rebounding, and efficiency
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Versatile defender and leader
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Athletic, versatile forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Nneka Ogwumike
What position does Nneka Ogwumike play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Seattle Storm (WNBA)
How old is Nneka Ogwumike?
34 (born July 2, 1990)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA MVP, WNBA champion, WNBA Rookie of the Year, nine-time All-Star, All-WNBA and All-Defensive teams, EuroLeague and WCBA champion, FIBA World Cup gold medalist, President of the WNBA Players Association
What is her playing style?
Versatile, efficient, and athletic forward with elite scoring and leadership
Conclusion
Nneka Ogwumike is a dominant and influential forward whose achievements, leadership, and advocacy have made her a cornerstone for the Seattle Storm and one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball.
