The 2021 WNBA Draft was one for the history books! Michaela Onyenwere became the first player from Colorado to be selected in the first round, going 6th overall to the New York Liberty. But the real highlight of the night? Her proud grandmother stole the show with a joyful dance after hearing her granddaughter’s name called.
Michaela made an instant impact in her debut season with the Liberty, winning Rookie of the Year in near-unanimous fashion. She also became just the fifth player ever to claim every Rookie of the Month honor that year. But behind all that success is a tight-knit family that’s had her back every step of the way. So, let’s take a moment to meet the people who’ve been her biggest supporters!
Who Are Michaela Onyenwere’s Parents?
Michaela Onyenwere was born on August 10, 1999, in Aurora, Colorado, to Peter and Edith Onyenwere. Her parents hail from the Igbo villages in Nigeria. Her father, Peter, was a standout sprinter who moved to the U.S. in 1985 to compete in track at the University of Missouri, while her mother, Edith, immigrated to America with her family in the 1970s.
It goes without saying that Michaela’s father has been a guiding force throughout her journey. When she was getting ready to represent her country for the first time as part of Team USA’s inaugural 3×3 Olympic basketball team, Peter gifted her his first gold medal. “I’m passing the mantle to her,” he said as covered by the LA Times, handing over the medal he won at the 1979 Imo State Sports Festival in Owerri, Nigeria.
What Ethnicity Are Michaela Onyenwere’s Parents?
As mentioned above, both her parents were living in the Igbo villages of Nigeria and were part of the Igbo tribe, making them of Nigerian descent. And Michaela, too, hasn’t shied away from embracing her Nigerian roots. “I am just so proud to be Nigerian, and I never let anyone forget it. I make sure I let people know I am Nigerian because it is a big part of who I am, and the Nigerian community has completely embraced me,” she said in an interview with ESPN.
Who Are Michaela Onyenwere’s Siblings?
Michaela grew up in a big family alongside four siblings. She has a younger brother called U.K. and has 3 older brothers: Zach, Patrick, and Jordan. While Michaela is the one who has stolen all the spotlight from her siblings due to her achievements, not much is known about what her siblings do. We will update this section once more information comes to light.
Michaela’s parents, Peter and Edith, raised their family in Aurora, Colorado, creating a supportive environment that allowed her talents to thrive. Peter’s background as an elite athlete likely shaped the family’s strong values around sports and discipline. But when it comes to her siblings? It is uncertain whether her siblings followed a similar path in athletics or not.
What do Michaela Onyenwere’s Parents do for a living?
There isn’t much public information available about Michaela’s parents’ professions, except that her father, Peter, now works as an agricultural engineer, as per some sources. We’ll be sure to update this section if more details emerge!
Michaela Onyenwere’s Relationship With Her Parents
Michaela has never openly spoken in detail about her relationship with her parents, choosing to keep her personal life private. However, there are several examples that show just how close she is to her family. Like having her entire family by her side on draft night to celebrate her big moment, or her father gifting her his first medal as a symbol of pride when she represented Team USA for the first time.
Michaela Onyenwere’s grandma is a whole vibe #WNBADraft
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) April 15, 2021
Moments like these show just how close the Onyenwere family really is. They clearly share a strong bond, celebrating each other’s successes and always offering support when required. With that kind of environment in place, it’s no surprise that Michaela has thrived! How could you possibly fail with a support system like that?
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