Oluchi Okananwa, Inside the Mind of the Maryland Star
After two years at Duke, Oluchi Okananwa is in the middle of a new chapter at Maryland—one defined by growth, opportunity and a bigger role. A viral moment with head Coach Brenda Frese during the NCAA Tournament gave fans a glimpse into the competitive intensity that Okananwa brings to the game. In this Q&A interview with The Lead’s Jarrett Spence, the Maryland star opens up about her journey, development, and what is ahead as she continues to create her story.
Playing for Maryland Jarrett Spence: What was going through your mind in that viral moment with Coach Frese? Oluchi Okananwa: In that moment, I was just locked in. It wasn’t really about anything outside of the game.
I’m competitive, and I care deeply about winning. Coach Frese was pushing me, and I was responding, and that’s what you want as a player. Looking back, I think people saw the passion in it, but for me, it was just a real, in-the-moment exchange between a coach and a player who both want the same thing.
JS: How would you describe your relationship with Coach Frese, and how do you like to be coached? OO: My relationship with Coach Frese is built on trust and honesty. She’s going to tell me exactly what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear—and I respect that.
I like being coached to a high standard. I don’t want it sugarcoated. If you see something I can do better, tell me, because I know it’s coming from a place of wanting me to grow.
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