When Madina Okot called her parents to tell them about the forthcoming Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft on April 13, 2026, a quiet anticipation settled over Mundubi village in Kakamega County.

In their modest home, her family prepared for what they believed would be a defining moment as they watched their daughter step onto one of the most prestigious stages in global sport.

But when the event began at around 2am EAT, expectation soon gave way to uncertainty.

With the remote control in hand, the family flicked through local television channels in search of a live broadcast. None appeared.

Madina Okot's family display her trophies at their home in Mumias, Kakamega County, on April 16, 2026.

Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group

Still unwilling to concede defeat, her father, Musa Mulah, turned to YouTube, typing his daughter’s name with quiet determination, hoping for even the faintest glimpse of her moment.

What surfaced instead was a post-draft press conference recorded at The Shed in New York City. Then, suddenly, a familiar voice filled the room.

Her mother, Jacqueline Nakhumicha, alongside her siblings, Sheila Nafula and Issa Ndombi, who had been fighting sleep on the couch, sat upright at once. There was no mistaking it.

It was Madina.

madina — Kenya basketball player Madina Okot at NTV studios at Nation Centre on September 20, 2024.

Photo credit: Pool

Moments earlier, she had been selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream, becoming the first Kenyan to be drafted into the WNBA — a second-round pick in one of the world’s most competitive women’s basketball leagues.

“I’m so grateful to my parents and my family for their support, even though we are far apart. And I’m grateful to God. I have a desire to get things done, and I will bring that same spirit, working hard and going after what I want,” Madina said during the press conference.

Read: Madina Okot: From being denied visa four times to living the American dream

She described the weeks leading up to the draft as both physically and mentally demanding, from tournament play to the final whistle.

Asked whether she had anticipated her destination, she admitted uncertainty. Despite discussions with several teams, Atlanta had not been a certainty.

“They spoke about my versatility, rebounding, defence, finishing — doing the little things to help the team win,” she said.

668966748_18181203322390252_9217813710325723231_n — Madina Okot celebrates as the South Carolina Gamecocks secure their place in the NCAA Women’s Final Four for a sixth consecutive year during the 2026 March Madness tournament.

Photo credit: Pool

Her journey, she noted, was shaped as much by persistence as ambition.

“It means so much to be here. Six years ago, I could not have imagined this. If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her I am proud. She never gave up.”

Born on August 23, 2004, Madina is the fifth of eight children in a family where sport was cherished, even when opportunity was scarce.

Her father recalls his own interrupted dream.

668966748_18181203322390252_9217813710325723231_n — Veteran coach Philip Onyango on how he mentored Madina Okot, who was recently drafted in the WNBA

“I was a volleyball player in Western Kenya in 1989, playing for Malava Boys alongside strong teams like Namlungu and St Peter’s Mumias,” he said. After school, he moved to Nairobi, continuing his career at Kamukunji and earning a national call-up.

But his progress was abruptly halted.

“When I returned home during the Easter holidays in 1993, my father told me not to go back. He asked me to abandon the game and settle down. I cried for a week. I knew my career was over,” Mr Mulah said.

He complied, stepping away from sport to begin family life, though the loss lingered.

New Content Item (1) — Madina Okot's family pose with her jerseys and kit at their home in Mumias, Kakamega County on April 16, 2026. From left: Madina's father Musa Mulah Masayi, mother Jacqueline Nakhumicha and siblings.

“Today, I am proud. The dream did not die; it lives on in my children.”

Back then, he noted, recognition for athletes was minimal.

“If you won, perhaps you got soda and bread, and life went on. Today, things are different.”

Determined not to deny his children the opportunities he lost, he supported their sporting ambitions.

Madina’s mother, Jacqueline, shared a similar background. A netball player during her school years, she later trained in early childhood development and now works as a nursery school teacher.

Kenya's Madina Okot (left) vies for the ball with Benin's Keita Vero on during their Fiba 3x3 Under-23 National League Africa South match at Nyayo National Stadium handball court in Nairobi on July 13, 2022.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Together, they raised their children with discipline and strong values.

“She is very disciplined,” her mother said. “Quiet, but also cheerful.”

Madina’s rise reflects both missed chances and renewed possibilities within the family.

Read: Kenyan girl Madina Okot on the cusp of writing Women's National Basketball Association history

Her sister, Wahida Mulah, now at Kibabii University, has excelled in taekwondo, while Hajji Opuba of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology plays men’s netball. Sheila Mulah, currently in Form Four, balances netball and volleyball, and the youngest, Zainab Mulah, has taken up volleyball.

Yet Madina’s own path was anything but linear.

SAXoPicture-00000000093B4360-148662462 — Kenya basketball player Madina Okot.

Photo credit: Pool

She began at Mukwa Primary School before moving to Emache Primary School in Kabras, where she first encountered organised sport through netball. At Mukwa Secondary School in 2018, she turned to volleyball, quickly attracting attention.

Her teacher, Mr Erick Wakobola, recognised her potential and secured her a scholarship transfer to Bishop Sulumeti Secondary School, where she helped her team reach regional and national competitions.

It was at the national school games that her path shifted. A call from coach Philip Onyango of Kaya Tiwi Secondary School set in motion another move — one that would ultimately change her life.

At Kaya Tiwi, Mr Onyango introduced her to basketball.

“At first, I was not happy, but the coach asked me to trust the process,” her father said.

Within months, her growth was undeniable. She earned a place with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women’s basketball team and later joined the national team, gaining international exposure.

A pivotal moment came when she was selected for an international competition in Birmingham, requiring formal consent from her family.

“I signed a contract to allow her to play abroad,” her father said.

Even then, the path forward was far from smooth.

After completing secondary school, efforts to secure academic and athletic opportunities abroad were met with repeated setbacks. Multiple United States visa applications were denied without a clear explanation, leaving the family frustrated.

“We were never given a proper reason,” her father recalled.

Despite the uncertainty, perseverance prevailed. She eventually secured a place at Mississippi State University, which facilitated her successful visa process. She later transferred to the University of South Carolina, where her talent flourished.

There, she averaged a double-double — 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game — leading the Southeastern Conference in rebounding and recording 22 double-doubles.

Madina Okot (right) of the South Carolina Gamecocks dominates in the paint against a Tennessee Lady Volunteers player during their Southeastern Conference match at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 8, 2026. South Carolina won 93–50 with Okot delivering 10 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block.

Photo credit: Pool

Her performances propelled South Carolina to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the body that regulates college sports in the United States.

She earned All-SEC Second Team honours and was named a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Centre of the Year Award, affirming her place among elite collegiate players.

Coach Philip Onyango believes many players like Madina exist in Kenya but remain undiscovered due to weak scouting systems.

“Tall, gifted athletes are there, but they are often identified late. By the time they transition to basketball, valuable development time has been lost,” he said.

He underscored the importance of early identification, structured coaching and parental support.

“The system is improving, but it is not yet fully connected. Much of the work is still driven by individual coaches rather than a cohesive national structure.”

Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this