Arike Ogunbowale has gained widespread recognition as a Dallas Wings guard and a standout WNBA player. Born on March 2, 1997, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Nigerian-American parents, she first made her mark at Notre Dame. Leading the team to the 2018 NCAA Championship, she earned the Most Outstanding Player award for her remarkable performance.
Following her collegiate success, Ogunbowale was selected fifth overall in the 2019 WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings. Since then, she has remained with the Wings, also honing her skills overseas with teams like OGM Ormanspor and Dynamo Kursk during offseasons. Her career highlights include being a three-time WNBA All-Star, winning two All-Star Game MVP titles, securing two All-WNBA Team recognitions including one First Team selection, and leading the league as the top scorer in 2020 along with topping the steals chart in 2022.
The Surprise Engagement That Captivated Fans
In May 2024, Arike Ogunbowale captured the hearts of many by becoming engaged to Lala Ronay. The Dallas Wings star orchestrated a delightful proposal that took Ronay by complete surprise. The moment unfolded outdoors, where Ogunbowale guided her partner along a red carpet, leading up to a large sign displaying the words, MARRY ME.
In that unforgettable setting, Ogunbowale knelt and presented a ring, sealing their commitment. Ronay, who previously served in the United States Army and is now a prominent social media influencer, had no idea this was coming. She shares her birthday with her twin sister, both born on June 14, 1992. Since 2021, Ronay has cultivated a significant online following focusing on hair care, skincare, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle, supplementing her content with weekly YouTube vlogs.
Family Background and Athletic Roots
Arike Ogunbowale’s strong family foundation has played an essential role in her journey. She is the youngest of three siblings born to Gregory and Yolanda Ogunbowale. Her oldest sibling is Mario, and her second sibling, Dare Ogunbowale, is an NFL running back currently with the Houston Texans.
Her father, Gregory, who once served in the Nigerian military and excelled in soccer and rugby, now works in administration for Milwaukee Public Schools. He has held the position of principal at Washington High School of Information Technology in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, Yolanda Ogunbowale was a talented athlete herself, earning a softball scholarship at DePaul University and achieving conference offensive MVP honors in 1985. She also excelled in high school volleyball and softball at the state championship level in Illinois.
Dare Ogunbowale, born on May 4, 1994, initially played cornerback before switching to running back during his football career. After going undrafted in 2017, he was signed by the Houston Texans and has since had stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Football Team, and Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to the Texans.
Significance and Future Prospects After the Engagement
Arike Ogunbowale’s engagement news has added another inspiring chapter to her life story, enhancing her public image beyond the basketball court. This heartfelt moment, shared openly with her fans, reflects her personal growth and the importance of love and family in her life. As she continues to excel professionally with the Dallas Wings and in her efforts off the court, this milestone signals exciting developments ahead both personally and professionally.
With the support of her close-knit family and partner, Ogunbowale is positioned to maintain her status as a role model for aspiring athletes while embracing new beginnings. Observers and fans alike will watch closely how she balances her flourishing career and upcoming life changes, potentially influencing many within and beyond the sports world.