Madina Okot has made history as the first Kenyan ever drafted into the WNBA after the Atlanta Dream selected her 13th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft in New York.
Historic night in New York
The 22‑year‑old center heard her name called on Monday night at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Therefore, she became the first Kenyan to be drafted in the first round of the WNBA and only the third Kenyan to make it to the league.
Her selection places her among the world’s elite women’s basketball players and crowns a meteoric rise from local courts in Kenya to the sport’s biggest stage.
An emotional Okot described the moment as a dream come true, saying she felt honored to compete against players she had watched and admired growing up.
She will report to the Dream’s training camp later in April as the franchise prepares for the new season.
From Mumias to the WNBA
Okot was born in Mumias, Kakamega County, and first shone as a volleyball player at Bishop Sulumeti Girls before switching to basketball at Kaya Tiwi Secondary School.
That decision changed her life. She went on to represent Kenya in 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games and featured for Kenya Ports Authority in the local league.
Her big break came when she moved to the United States for college basketball, first joining the University of Mississippi and later transferring to the University of South Carolina.
Standing at 6’6″, she developed into a dominant front‑court presence, combining size, rim protection, and improved shooting.
Dominating in college
During her final season with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Okot averaged 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
With 22 double‑doubles,, one of the best tallies in the Power Five conferences.
She shot 57.5% from the field and an impressive 44.8% from three‑point range, underlining her evolution into a modern, stretch big.
Her performances helped South Carolina reach the NCAA Final Four and cemented her status as a top WNBA prospect.
Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley praised her courage to leave home, adapt quickly, and transform both her game and life in a short period.
What her rise means for Kenya
Okot’s achievement has sparked celebration across Kenya, with leaders and fans hailing her as a trailblazer for women’s sport.
Second Lady Rachel Ruto congratulated her for becoming the first Kenyan drafted in the first round of the WNBA.
Also, calling her journey a powerful inspiration for girls who dream beyond their circumstances.
Her story conveys a clear message: with the right support, exposure, and personal sacrifice, Kenyan talent can compete at the highest level.
For young players training on school courts in Mumias, Kakamega, Nairobi, and Mombasa, Madina Okot is no longer just a headline.
Indeed, she is proof that the path from local tournaments to the WNBA actually exists.
ALSO READ: How Donald Trump’s Feud with Pope Leo XIV Could Backfire Politically
