Madina Okot gets emotional after receiving an encouraging message from her former Kenyan coach/SCREENGRAB.It was a night of celebration and emotion for Kenya-born Madina Okot after she made history in the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft – when a surprise message from her former coach was played moments later.
Okot was selected by the Atlanta Dream with the 13th overall pick in the first round on Monday, becoming the highest-drafted Kenyan player ever in WNBA history.
The milestone marked a defining moment in her rising basketball career and capped years of hard work and determination.
But the celebrations quickly turned emotional when a heartfelt message from her former coach, Coach Obi, was aired during a post-draft broadcast.
“Hello big baby. This is Coach Obi. I'm proud of you, girl. Congratulations for all this. Congratulations on your draft,” the coach said.
Coach Obi praised Okot’s journey, noting that her achievement was the result of dedication and sacrifice, and encouraged her to keep pushing forward.
“Congratulations for playing at the Final Four. You dreamed of this, and you put in work. This is just the beginning of good things, girl; keep going.”
“We are very proud of you, and we will always have your back. Congratulations again.”
Overwhelmed by the message, Okot was visibly emotional as she listened, wiping away tears during the broadcast.
In a post-draft interview, she acknowledged the strong support system behind her success, crediting her coach and community for walking with her throughout her journey.
“It shows how much people back home appreciate me. They've been there throughout my journey. They really know how much I've been going through and what it takes to be here. I'm so grateful to them.”
Okot, who transferred to South Carolina last offseason, was the second Gamecock selected in the draft. The six-foot-four centre also expressed excitement about joining the Atlanta Dream, where she is set to play alongside stars, including Angel Reese.
Her selection not only cements her place in elite women’s basketball but also marks a historic breakthrough for Kenyan talent on the global stage.
President William Ruto has already led the country in celebrating Okot following her historic selection into the WNBA.
In a congratulatory message on Wednesday, the President hailed Okot’s achievement as a proud moment for the nation and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes.
“We celebrate the remarkable achievement of Madina Okot, who has become the first Kenyan ever drafted into the WNBA,” said Ruto.
“This historic milestone fills our nation with pride and inspires young Kenyan athletes to pursue their dreams. Your journey is proof that even the boldest ambitions are within reach,” he added.
Okot, born in Mumias in western Kenya, is a centre standing at 6’6” and is known for her strong interior presence, rebounding ability, and growing offensive versatility.
She began her basketball journey in 2020, first playing at Zetech University in Kenya before moving to the United States to pursue higher-level competition.
Her college career saw her feature for the Mississippi State Bulldogs for two seasons before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where she continued her rapid development.
