Madina Okot, from volleyball to the WNBA: the American dream of an African pioneer

With just two days to go before the WNBA draft in New York, the excitement is palpable for players hoping to enter the best women's basketball league in the world. Among the top prospects in this 2026 draft class is the 6'6" Kenyan, Madina Okot. Having transitioned from volleyball to basketball in record time, she is poised to make history in African sports.

“Honestly, it’s more about emotion, and it feels like a dream come true,” she confided in an exclusive interview. “I started playing basketball six years ago, and here I am today. It shows how talent doesn’t determine your true worth. It’s the work you put in that determines what you achieve,” she said.

For Madina, the athletic transition was surprisingly smooth: "Actually, it wasn't very difficult for me to switch from volleyball to basketball, because I fell in love with the game very quickly. It didn't take me that long to learn basketball, and in a short time I was able to do so much. I was able to grow a lot in this sport. And I'm so proud of myself."

Although her entry into the professional world came earlier than expected following the denial of her eligibility for another year in the NCAA (the American university championship), she keeps her head held high.

“I wanted another year at college to develop, and I feel like in one or two years here in America, I’ve been able to improve a lot. I’ve been able to evolve my game; I thought another year could have made me much better,” she admits, adding, “But I’m so proud of myself. When I think about my journey, everything I’ve been through to get here…”

Today, she sees herself as a pioneer for an entire generation of African sport: "It is an honor to represent my country, my people, my family, and all the children of Africa. I am so moved to represent them and to show them how hard work can take us further, to places we never imagined we could reach."

Her message to young girls around the world is imbued with resilience: "Never stop chasing your dreams. Keep working hard, trust the process, and most of all, pray."

On the eve of discovering her future franchise, Madina Okot is savoring the moment: "I don't have a particular team in mind. I'm just happy to meet the players I admired growing up and the amazing coaches from all over the world. I'm just here to enjoy life and see where the next step in my life takes me."

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