Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1538101
26 WAC Magazine | wac.net living fit meet the athlete Meet the athlete Onome Akinbode-James By Mae Folsom Jacobson Onome Akinbode-James began playing basketball in Abeoku- ta, Nigeria, when she was 13 years old. Remarkably tall for her age, she tried the sport at the urging of her friends and family. When she was referred to a basketball camp just for girls, her game took off. She moved to the U.S. on her own as a high school junior in 2016, played at Blair Academy in New Jersey, and was recruited by Duke. She played for the Blue Devils from 2018–2022, made the All-ACC Academic Team in 2021, and graduated with an electrical and computer engineering degree. Onome moved to Seattle for work, joined the WAC this year, and plays on the women's basketball team. Q. What are some highlights of your career? A. At 15, I played on the Nigerian team in the FIBA U16 Afri- can Championships. We won a silver medal and qualified for the World Cup. Unfortunately, we couldn't go because of travel visa issues. I was also invited to try out for the 2024 Olympic team, but I was injured at the time. Q. How was your time playing at Duke? A. It was epic! Especially the Duke-Carolina rivalry. Across all sports, but especially in basketball, the games are packed, and the energy is incredible. ey're the most exciting games I've ever played in. Q. What does your basketball future look like? A. Right now I'm focusing on my career, but I do miss the competition. I could play on the Nigerian team for shorter times, and I love playing any opportunity I get to at the WAC. We have a good consistent women's team. Q. Do you have advice for aspiring athletes? A. It's easy to spend so much time on your cra and miss out on other parts of life. I love playing basketball, but it's im- portant to find enjoyment in other things and an identity that stands outside of your sport. Q. What are your hobbies? A. I learned to ride a bike this year! I'm also working on establishing a charity, called the Ready Leaders Foundation. My main objective is to give kids the opportunities I had as a young person. We're working with New Jersey and Seattle high schools to recruit kids from Nigeria to play sports and become successful leaders in society. FITNESS IN THE PARK Enjoy the outdoors as you exercise! Every summer, the WAC hosts yoga and Zumba classes across the street from the Clubhouse in Freeway Park. Just cross Sixth Avenue and head to the corner of Sixth and Seneca to join these unique Seattle workout sessions. Fitness in the Park classes are complimentary and led by WAC instructors. Q U I N N T O O M E Y; E M I L I O H U E R TA S ( R I G H T ) Member Onome Akinbode-James played in the FIBA U16 African Championships and now plays basketball at the WAC. Zumba & Dance Cardio Mondays through August 25 at 5:30 pm Seneca Plaza Yoga Tuesdays through August 26 at noon Upper lawns