PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 07: Head coach Rena Wakama of Team Nigeria looks on during a Women's ... More basketball quarterfinal game between Team United States and Team Nigeria on day twelve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 07, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Getty Images The Chicago Sky have made a significant move by adding Rena Wakama to their coaching staff as an assistant coach under Head Coach Tyler Marsh. This appointment not only brings international expertise to the team but also demonstrates the Sky’s commitment to incorporating diverse coaching backgrounds to enhance their performance on the court. Rena Wakama’s coaching journey is truly inspirational. In June 2023, she became the first female head coach of Nigeria’s D’Tigress. Under her visionary leadership, the team achieved its fourth consecutive AfroBasket title, marking a historic milestone in her career. Her tenure reached a new peak at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she led the D’Tigress to a remarkable quarterfinal appearance—making history as the first African team to reach this stage in Olympic basketball. A standout moment of that campaign was a convincing 75-62 victory over Australia, showcasing her ability to coach teams that exceed expectations. LILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 04: Ezinne Kalu #23 of Team Nigeria celebrates with Team Nigeria head coach ... More Rena Wakama during the Women's Group Phase - Group match between of Team Canada and Team Nigeria on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Pierre Mauroy Stadium on August 04, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Getty Images Following her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wakama shared her coaching philosophy in an interview with Forbes.com. At its core is a commitment to meticulous preparation. As she stated, "there's pressure everywhere—to perform, to succeed." This mindset was cultivated early in her career through the guiding principle of the "five P's": prior preparation prevents poor performance. By consistently putting herself in challenging situations, Wakama ensures she is always ready to seize opportunities and overcome obstacles. This disciplined and proactive approach, honed on the international stage, is set to foster a culture of resilience and readiness within the Chicago Sky. Before her groundbreaking achievements with Nigeria, Wakama honed her skills in player development and team management as the director of women’s basketball operations at Manhattan College. This collegiate experience provided her with a robust foundation in nurturing emerging talent. Her expertise is expected to be invaluable for the Sky, particularly in developing promising young players like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. With her proven track record of transforming potential into performance, Wakama is well-positioned to help these athletes elevate their games. MORE FOR YOU FBI Confirms Chrome, Edge, Safari Warning—Stop Using These Websites Things Are Bad At Tesla. They’re About To Get Much Worse. Samsung Makes Surprise New $203 Offer To Galaxy S24 Buyers CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 25: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky chats with Kamilla Cardoso #10 of the ... More Chicago Sky during the second half of a WNBA game against the Las Vegas Aces on August 25, 2024 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Sky’s recent offseason has been characterized by strategic roster overhauls aimed at building a championship-caliber team. The inclusion of seasoned professionals—such as Ariel Atkins, whose All-Star credentials and defensive prowess add depth, and Courtney Vandersloot, a veteran playmaker known for her record-setting assists—works perfectly alongside the infusion of fresh talent. This blend of experience and emerging skill, combined with Wakama’s innovative coaching approach, positions the Chicago Sky as formidable contenders in the upcoming season. Wakama’s philosophy of thorough preparation and strategic resilience aligns seamlessly with the Sky’s mission to build a disciplined, future-ready team. As the Sky integrate international expertise with innovative strategies, they are in a prime position to elevate their performance in the upcoming WNBA season. PALMETTO, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: General view of the WNBA painted on the court with a basketball ... More laying on the floor during the second half of the game between the Chicago Sky and the Seattle Storm at Feld Entertainment Center on August 10, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) Getty Images Follow me on LinkedIn. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades