Nneka Ogwumike's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Nneka Ogwumike.

Nneka Ogwumike is an American professional basketball player currently with the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2012, she played twelve seasons with the team, achieving significant success. Ogwumike was named the WNBA MVP in 2016 and led the Sparks to a WNBA Finals victory that same year. Recognizing her exceptional career, she was named to The W25 in 2021, which celebrated the top 25 players in the WNBA's first 25 years.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Won WNBA championship

In 2016, Ogwumike won her first career WNBA championship, Sparks winning their first championship since 2002.

July 2008: FIBA Americas Championship Gold Medal

In July 2008, Nneka Ogwumike was a member of the USA Women's U18 team which won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She led all scorers with 12.6 points per game and was the leading rebounder with 8 per game.

2008: WBCA All-American

In 2008, Nneka Ogwumike was named a WBCA All-American. She also participated in the WBCA High School All-America Game, scoring 17 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and earning MVP honors for the White team.

2008: Gold Medal and MVP

In 2008, Nneka Ogwumike won gold with USA Under 18 Team in Argentina and was named MVP of the tournament. She tallied 20 points and 15 rebounds in the championship game.

August 2009: U19 World's Championship Gold Medal

In July and August 2009, Nneka Ogwumike played on the USA Women's U19 team which represented the US in the U19 World's Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand. They won the gold medal and Nneka was named to the all-tournament team.

January 23, 2010: Cardinal Record

On January 23, 2010, Nneka Ogwumike set a new Cardinal record for rebounds in a game with 23 during a 100-80 victory over Oregon.

December 20, 2011: Career High Points

On December 20, 2011, Nneka Ogwumike scored a career-high 42 points on 19 for 27 shooting while also grabbing 17 rebounds in a 97–80 win over the sixth-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols.

2011: World University Games Gold Medal

In 2011, Nneka Ogwumike played on the team presenting the US at the World University Games held in Shenzhen, China. The team won all six games to earn the gold medal.

January 7, 2012: 2,000 Points and 1,000 Rebounds

On January 7, 2012, Nneka Ogwumike surpassed both the 2,000 point and the 1,000 rebound thresholds for her career with a 33-point, 16 rebound performance against Oregon State.

July 12, 2012: Career High Rebounds

On July 12, 2012, Nneka Ogwumike set a career-high in rebounds with 20 in a 77–74 win over the Indiana Fever.

October 7, 2012: WNBA Rookie of the Year

On October 7, 2012, Nneka Ogwumike was awarded as the 2012 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

2012: Played in Poland

In the 2012–13 off-season, Ogwumike played in Poland for CCC Polkowice and won a championship with the team.

2013: Played in Poland

In the 2012–13 off-season, Ogwumike played in Poland for CCC Polkowice and won a championship with the team.

2014: WNBA All-Star Selection

In 2014, Nneka Ogwumike averaged 15.8 ppg and was voted as a WNBA All-star for the second time in her career along with her sister Chiney Ogwumike, becoming the first pair of sisters to be selected into a WNBA All-Star game.