Dallas Wings player Arike Ogunbowale gears up for the forthcoming Home Opener set for Saturday, May 20. We caught up with this powerhouse who undoubtedly shines on and off the court.
Ogunbowale plays point guard for Dallas Wings—the team she has been a part of since the 2019 WNBA draft.
What are you most looking forward to about this next season?
The best thing about a new season is the opportunity it provides. It’s a blank page. There’s no telling what we can do. Everyone is undefeated until that first game. I have high hopes for this season, and it all starts with the home opener on May 20. We get the (Atlanta) Dream in our house, and I expect it to be a great atmosphere.
What sets Dallas apart?
Like everything else in Texas, sports is bigger here. In Dallas, we’re one of only 13 places that have a team from each of the biggest sports. So sports is year-round here, which is why I love it.
What is one of your most treasured memories throughout your career? As a kid growing up playing this game, you always practice game-winners with the clock winding down. To hit those shots for real, and bring a National Championship to South Bend and the Notre Dame faithful (where Ogunbowale played college basketball), is something I’ll hang onto my entire life.
This year marks the 50th anniversary milestone of Title IX. What does that mean to you? Title IX was ground-breaking legislation regarding gender equality in education and sports. It has been a game-changer for generations of women. My mom played D1 soft ball, and I wouldn’t be who I am without the lessons she taught me. But we can always do better. More female athletes have opportunities to earn scholarships thanks to Title IX. Interest in women’s collegiate sports is already high, and it’s growing. NIL deals for female athletes are providing opportunities. It’s progress, and we celebrate that, but the work continues.
What can fans expect come Saturday, May 20 at the Home Opener?
Our team looks excellent. I’m excited about our new coach. We have a great mix of veterans, players who have been around for a while, like me. And we have some young players, just coming into the WNBA, who we expect to make an immediate impact. We will try some new things this year and deploy some new strategies. I’m looking forward to playing for coach Latricia Trammell and going into the battle with our new team.
Photography by: JEN POTT HEISER
