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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JS: What have been the biggest adjustments from Duke to Maryland and stepping into a starting role?

OO: The biggest adjustment has been embracing responsibility. At Maryland, I’m being counted on in a different way, whether that’s leadership, consistency, or production. I’ve had to grow mentally just as much as physically, understanding the game at a deeper level, staying poised, and being someone my teammates can rely on every night.

Reflecting on the Moments

JS: Was there a moment where everything clicked for you?

OO: I wouldn’t say it was one single moment—it’s been a buildup. But there were definitely games and practices where I started to feel like, ‘okay, I’m understanding this new system I’m in and that confidence came from preparation and from trusting the work I’ve been putting in for years.

JS: What has been the toughest moment in your journey and how you got through it?

OO: One of the toughest parts has been navigating change—transferring, adjusting to new environments, and proving myself all over again. What got me through it was my faith, my support system, and just staying grounded in who I am. I reminded myself why I started and kept pushing forward. Christ placed me at Maryland for a reason and I rely on His own understanding not my own so I placed all anxiety and fear at His feet.

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Interest Outside of Basketball

JS: Away from basketball, what do you enjoy most?

OO: I love fashion and creative expression—that’s a big part of who I am outside of basketball. Whether it’s styling, content, or just putting together outfits, it’s something that lets me show a different side of myself. It’s also something I’m building into a bigger platform with ‘Styling with Luchi.’ Styling with Luchi is an epitome of my love for playing dress up and bringing others on that journey with me. I feel like fashion and clothing is such an earnest peak into someone’s mind and their personality. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family binge watching movies all day!

Motivation

JS: What does it mean to be someone young girls can look up to?

OO: It means everything to me and I don’t take that responsibility lightly at all. Being someone young girls can look up to is about more than just what you do on the court or what people see on social media. It’s about how you carry yourself every day, especially when no one’s watching. I want young girls to see that you can be confident, expressive, and still be disciplined and focused. You don’t have to shrink yourself or fit into one box to be successful. Be bold in your personality, creative in your style, and still locked in on your goals. Embrace every part of who you are.

My faith plays a huge role in that too. My relationship with God keeps me grounded and reminds me that my purpose is bigger than just basketball or achievements. It’s about serving others, leading with love, and walking in integrity. I want young girls to know that you can chase big dreams and still stay rooted in your faith—that you don’t have to compromise your values to succeed.

Next Steps for Oluchi Okananwa

JS:Who were your favorite players growing up, and what stood out about them?

OO: Growing up, I really watched Arike Ogunbowale, especially during her time at Notre Dame. Seeing what she did in 2018 with those back-to-back game winners on the biggest stage—that really stuck with me.

What stood out wasn’t just her skill, but her confidence and how fearless she was in big moments. She embraced the pressure and played with a presence that you could feel.

JS: Did you picture yourself in the WNBA? What would it mean?

OO: Definitely. That’s been a dream of mine for a long time. Reaching the WNBA would mean everything, not just for me, but for my family and everyone who’s supported me. It would be a reflection of all the work, sacrifice, and belief it took to get there.

JS: If someone were telling your story, what’s one thing they must get right?

OO: If someone were telling my story, the one thing they have to get right is that I never lost who I am. Everything I do is rooted in my relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s what keeps me grounded, especially in a world where there’s a lot of pressure, attention, and expectations.

Basketball can change, opportunities can come and go but my faith is constant. It reminds me that I’m playing for something bigger than myself, and that my identity isn’t in stats, wins, or recognition. I try to carry myself in a way that reflects that—how I treat people, how I handle adversity, and how I stay disciplined in what I’ve been called to do. I’m not perfect, but I stay anchored in Him, and that’s what’s guided me through every stage of my journey. That’s the real story. 

The post Oluchi Okananwa, Inside the Mind of the Maryland Star appeared first on The Lead.