Wake Forest induct Wakama in Hall of Fame

Rena Wakama has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of Wake Forest High School as part of its Class of 2026, in recognition of her achievements as a player and coach on the global stage, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The D’Tigress head coach was listed among five honourees celebrated at the school’s induction banquet.

The Class of 2026 also includes Graham Bunn, Ron Daniel, Andre Smith, and Earl Smith.

Reacting to the recognition on Tuesday, Wakama attributed the milestone to collective support and divine guidance, noting that the honour reflected a shared journey rather than an individual accomplishment.

“All glory to God, the legacy was never mine to keep, only His to build,” Wakama wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you to my village, this legacy belongs to all of us. Wake Forest High School, thank you.”

The 34-year-old has risen rapidly in the coaching ranks, combining her role with D’Tigress with duties as head coach of Hive BC and assistant coach at the Chicago Sky.

She made history in 2023 by becoming the first female head coach of D’Tigress and subsequently the first Nigerian to lead the women’s national team to a AfroBasket title since the competition began in 1966.

Under her leadership, Nigeria won a fifth consecutive AfroBasket crown and seventh overall, defeating Mali 78–64 in the final in Abidjan in August 2025.

The North Carolina born coach also enhanced her reputation at the 2024 Olympic Games, where D’Tigress became the first African team, male or female, to reach the quarter-finals of Olympic basketball after a 79–70 victory over Canada. The impact earned her the Best Coach award from the International Basketball Federation.

Following Nigeria’s triumph at the 2025 AfroBasket Championship, players and officials of the team were rewarded by President Bola Tinubu with cash bonuses, housing and national honours.

Each player received $100,000 and a bedroom flat, alongside the Officer of the Order of the Niger, while members of the coaching crew were awarded $50,000, similar housing allocations and the same national honour.

Wake Forest High School is a public secondary institution in North Carolina and part of one of the largest school districts in the United States that serves students from grades nine to 12 and maintains a strong tradition of recognising excellence through its Hall of Fame.

Its induction ceremonies celebrate former students, staff and contributors who have made significant impacts in sports, education and the wider community.

Wakama’s inclusion underscores her growing influence in international basketball and her role in elevating Nigeria’s status in the women’s game.