Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike has made a lasting impact in the WNBA by reaching a milestone of 3,000 career rebounds, becoming only the 11th player in league history to do so. Her impressive professional success raises questions about her early basketball achievements during her high school years in Texas.
A Standout High School Career at Cy-Fair in Texas
Before her collegiate and professional accomplishments, Nneka Ogwumike played at Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, Texas, where she showcased all-around skills. She averaged 16.8 points, eight rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, becoming a dominant presence on both ends of the court. Her performances helped Cy-Fair secure the 5A State Championship during her senior year, a testament to her leadership and impact.
In 2008, Ogwumike received widespread national recognition for her talent. She was honored with the Gatorade National Player of the Year and the MaxPreps National Player of the Year awards, highlighting her as the top female high school basketball player in the country. Additionally, she was selected as a McDonald’s All-American, further emphasizing her elite status among her peers.
Excelling in Prestigious All-Star Events
During her senior year, Ogwumike also participated in the WBCA High School All-America Game, where she earned the Most Valuable Player award after scoring 17 points and grabbing six rebounds. This achievement marked her as one of the best players nationally from the Class of 2008, setting the stage for a successful college career.
From Stanford Dominance to WNBA Success
Following high school, Nneka attended Stanford University, where she consistently led the women’s basketball team to the NCAA Final Four in each of her four seasons. Her collegiate excellence culminated in her becoming the first overall pick in the 2012 WNBA draft, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks. Ogwumike excelled in the league for more than a decade while also competing in European leagues during WNBA offseasons, before joining the Seattle Storm.
Passing the Torch to Future Stars Like Aaliyah Chavez
In a full-circle moment, Ogwumike recently returned to Texas to present the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award to 2025 top-ranked prospect Aaliyah Chavez at her school in Monterey, Lubbock. Accompanying this moment, Ogwumike reflected on Chavez’s playing style in an interview with Sports Illustrated, saying,
“I’ve always been described as a player that doesn’t have any mustard on her hot dog and then Aaliyah has a lot of mustard on her hot dog,” She told Sports Illustrated in March, after Chavez received the award. “So I will say that about how she plays, it’s a lot of fun to watch.”
—Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm Forward
Chavez now joins an elite group of Gatorade National Player of the Year winners, including notable stars such as Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, Kiki Rice, JuJu Watkins, and Candace Parker. This tradition highlights the continuing legacy of Texas high school players making significant marks at collegiate and professional levels.
Nneka Ogwumike’s high school basketball achievements laid a solid foundation for her remarkable journey through Stanford, the WNBA, and beyond. Her career serves as a model of sustained excellence, and her involvement with emerging talents like Chavez suggests that her influence will continue shaping the sport’s future.