Electric Dallas Wings guard known for her jaw-dropping scoring explosions, clutch shooting and game-winning heroics at Notre Dame and in the WNBA.
Arike Ogunbowale was born on 2 March 1997 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the youngest of three children of Gregory and Yolanda Ogunbowale; her father, of Nigerian descent, served in the Nigerian military before playing college soccer and rugby, while her mother played softball at DePaul University. Her name, meaning "a child you treasure, cherish, pamper, and love" in Yoruba, reflected the family's hopes for her, and her brother Dare went on to play running back in the NFL. Ogunbowale starred at Divine Savier Holy Angels High School, scoring 55 points in a single semi-final game en route to a state championship, before committing to the University of Notre Dame, where she became one of the most clutch performers in college basketball history. Ogunbowale hit back-to-back game-winning shots in the semi-final and championship game of the 2018 NCAA Tournament, delivering Notre Dame the national title and earning Most Outstanding Player honours for a performance still regarded as one of the most memorable in tournament history. The Dallas Wings selected Ogunbowale fifth overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft, and she has developed into one of the league's most prolific scorers, earning multiple All-Star selections while also representing the United States internationally, continuing to build a reputation for delivering in the biggest moments.
Clutch shooting and NCAA tournament heroics
She hit two consecutive game-winning buzzer beaters in the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four and championship game to lead Notre Dame to the national title — one of the most dramatic championship runs in college basketball history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Dynamic scorer with exceptional clutch shooting ability
Lasting Impact
Elite scorer who hit game-winning shots in consecutive NCAA Finals
Career Honours
- WNBA Scoring Title 2020, 2021
- NCAA Champion 2018
| Club | Period | Apps | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Wings | 2019–2024 | — | #24 |