ESPN
Chiney Ogwumike
Forward / Center, Los Angeles Sparks
Radio Host and NBA Analyst, ESPN
Age: 28
Born: Tomball, Texas
Education: Stanford University, B.A., international relations
Chiney Ogwumike is using her platform as a high-achieving WNBA player and host on a national ESPN Radio show to become a rising voice of the millennial generation that is comfortable mobilizing resources in support of social justice issues and a cultural influencer with a dedicated following.
more About you
Ways to network or stay connected with peers this year: While we may all feel like right now we are on “Zoom overload,” this year has provided us an opportunity to find creative ways to work, communicate and stay in touch with one another. Who knew that using just an iPad would allow me to feel like I am still in studio with my colleagues at ESPN? Who knew that we could get my extended family all the way across the world in Nigeria to have reunions so easily on Zoom? Technology has helped us stay connected when it mattered most.
Go-to person when I need help: My family. Balancing two careers is a blessing but it also can be demanding. And when it comes to my family, one of the many things that I truly love is that no matter what my parents or sisters are doing, they drop everything to answer my call. Whether I need their perspective on an important subject that we are talking about on our show or just need to vent after a tough game, they are always there.
In the industry
Biggest surprise when I started my career: The first broadcasting job that I had, just two years after I graduated college while playing in the WNBA, was serving as a guest co-host on ESPN’s “First Take.” That was a crash course on TV and sports analysis. It was a sink-or-swim moment, even though I did not realize it fully at the time. Your girl survived!
Sports should address social issues by: The reason why social issues are oftentimes at the forefront of sports is because the athletes that are advocating for their communities understand that what they experience in the meritocracy that is sports is the exception and not the norm for a majority of those who look like them and look up to them. It is not what athletes are expected to do but what their fortunate position deems necessary for them to do.
In 10 years I hope to be … : The only thing I know for sure is married with kids, counting my blessings. (I answered this pretending to be my mom.)
