It isn’t an overstatement to say that Arike Ogunbowale has been one of the best players in the WNBA this season.
The Dallas Wings guard – now in her fifth professional season – is coming off her third All-Star appearance and is averaging 21.9 points per-game, which is third-best in the WNBA through 22 games. The Notre Dame product is also averaging career-highs in assists (4.7) and steals (1.7) per-game, and free throw percentage (88 percent). Her play has helped the Wings outperform expectations so far this season; they’ve won five games in a row and have the WNBA’s fourth-best record at 13-9.
Needless to say, Ogunbowale has been busy in the gym, working to make herself and her teammates better. She’s been a bit too occupied to watch Nigeria or the U.S. in the World Cup (she is rooting for them though), but she hasn’t been too busy to stop her from partnering with AT&T to give back to women-owned small businesses.
Through the “She’s Connected” campaign, AT&T is giving $20,000 and a free year of its service to women who own small businesses. Nominations are open now.
“It’s dope, because I’ve been using AT&T my whole life,” Ogunbowale told For The Win. “We just work together, share common goals about connecting with fans and community, and using technology and all types of things just to connect. … It’s just about connectivity and helping those women; women in power.”
She added: “Everybody talks about investing in women’s sports and stuff like that, but they’re actually putting their money where their mouth is. I’m blessed to be partnered with a company who cares about women and cares about seeing them succeed.”
Ogunbowale discussed her partnership with AT&T, the Wings’ success and more with For The Win recently.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.