Los Angeles Sparks’ forward Nneka Ogwumike is continuing to build a decorated career to add to her resume this season.
Just recently, she became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 6,265 points, surpassing Hall of Fame and Sparks legend Lisa Leslie. She was drafted into the league in 2012, where she won Rookie of the Year, and since then has focused on building a legacy for the players around her to follow.
Off the court, Ogwumike is also president of the Women’s National Player Association (WNPA) and was the main catalyst for spearheading the new CBA agreement for the WNBA.
MTMV Sports had a chance to catch up with Ogwumike at Gateway Arena ahead of her matchup against the Atlanta Dream on July 14. We discussed her goals for the season, memorable moments within her support system, and advice she has for younger players in the league.
MTMV Sports: Alright, Nneka, so you met former Vice President Kamala Harris just a few days ago. What did it mean to have her there for support and just being there watching you guys on the court?
Nneka Ogwumike: Well, it means a lot. It’s actually the second time she’s come to a Sparks game. The first game she came to was when BG (Brittney Griner) came back after being wrongfully detained. So, it was great to see her again, especially after the time that she had between our first visit. She’s obviously just an inspiration to everyone. It’s amazing to see someone who has so much on the plate, who has learned so much, to make time to come and celebrate women in sports.
MTMV Sports: And who are your top influences in the sport in general? Do you have any favorite WNBA or NBA players who influenced you?
Nneka Ogwumike: Probably my sister. Yeah, my sister for sure. (0:53) Both on and off the court, she’s someone who’s inspired me to be multi-hyphenate and to own every space that you enter.
MTMV Sports: Speaking of your sister, y’all have a strong bond. It shows on and off the court. What is one key moment that you guys have had that you will cherish to this day and take with you for years to come?
Nneka Ogwumike: Ooh, um, I mean, probably both sharing being number one draft picks in our respective classes. It’s not often that you can say that you’re related to another number one draft pick. So, being able to share that accomplishment and using that as our springboard for the careers that we both built for ourselves.
MTMV Sports: What is the most challenging thing you’ve overcome this season or are currently overcoming? What’s been helping you push through that?
Nneka Ogwumike: I think the season comes with normal season challenges. I think, just making sure I stay ready. I stay healthy and present and being an asset to my team.
MTMV Sports: What’s a key goal you have for this season, and have you accomplished it already?
Nneka Ogwumike: I mean, I think the goal is just to come out and win as many games as I can with my team in this Sparks uniform. To put ourselves in a really great opportunity at the end of the season.
MTMV Sports: What is the locker room like? What kind of bonding activities do you guys have throughout the season to kind of just keep that chemistry strong?
Nneka Ogwumike: We definitely share a love for food. So whether we’re eating out together or just bringing each other food, I would definitely say that that is an impetus for our team bonding. But we have vets, we have young players. So I think there’s a really good mix of the influences on the team.
MTMV Sports: Do y’all have a favorite food spot you guys like to go to after a long game?
Nneka Ogwumike: We love Donut Friend!
MTMV Sports: Okay, nice, love that. Last question. What’s one key piece of advice that you have for rookies, second years, or even third-year players who are just kind of coming up and learning their leadership and voice on the court?
Nneka Ogwumike: Everybody has their own style of leadership. I don’t think leadership is a singular act. I think everyone has leadership in them and does it in their own way, so just owning that. And also, ensuring that, being in this league, you do what got you here. And then over time, you’ll be able to evolve.
MTMV Sports: Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
(This transcript has been lightly edited for filler words, length, and clarity.)
