‘It’s Amazing Being Back’: Once an Intern, Amy Okonkwo is Set for Dallas Wings Debut Against Seattle Storm

Grant AfsethAugust 22, 2025October 21, 2025no comment

Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images

Amy Okonkwo’s WNBA journey has come full circle. Seven years after interning with the Dallas Wings’ basketball operations staff, she will take the floor as a player for the same franchise.

The Wings signed the 6-foot-2 forward to a seven-day hardship contract this week, and she will be available for Friday’s matchup against the Seattle Storm at College Park Center. For Okonkwo, the opportunity carries added meaning.

In 2018, before her senior year at TCU, Okonkwo worked with the Wings as a Basketball Operations Assistant. She spent the summer in Arlington learning the behind-the-scenes aspects of the franchise, assisting staff directly with team operations. She has described the experience as pivotal, providing a valuable perspective that makes her return as a player especially meaningful.

“Oh, no. It’s amazing being able to play here in Dallas,” Okonkwo told DallasHoopsJournal.com after Friday’s shootaround. “Going to TCU and watching games, working for the Wings in 2018 as an intern, and then coming back to be able to play and be on the court is an amazing feeling. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

Okonkwo went on to earn Big 12 Sixth Player of the Year honors at TCU before building an international résumé. She played in Spain, Israel, Mexico, and most recently France, where she averaged 14.2 points and 5.2 rebounds for Bourges while shooting nearly 48 percent from three. She is also a two-time AfroBasket MVP and represented Nigeria in the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.

Amy Okonkwo on Finding Her Role

Now back in Texas, Okonkwo said her focus with Dallas will be on playing her game while fitting into the team’s system. She emphasized that her role won’t be about overcomplicating things but instead about relying on the habits she’s built during her professional career.

“Be myself and shoot when I’m open and try to help find my teammates open, play hard defense, and give a lot of energy,” Okonkwo said to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Yeah, they told me to be myself and that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

She added that her experience with the Nigerian national team makes her well-suited for the Wings’ current style, which has leaned on smaller lineups and defensive versatility.

“With my national team, we play very hard-nosed defense, switching, making things difficult for the opponent, and I think it’ll help me out here,” she explained to DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Okonkwo also highlighted teammates she feels she can complement.

“Obviously, Paige is a great player, but Grace Berger‘s a great one, Luisa Geiselsöder is a great one, Myisha. I think I can complement everybody a little bit,” she remarked to DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I think playing together is the best way, and I’ll do my best to help them, and I’m sure they’ll do the best to help me and find a way.”

Dallas Wings Set to Face Seattle Storm

The Wings (9-27) return home after being eliminated from playoff contention in Wednesday’s 81-80 loss at Los Angeles, despite rookie guard Paige Bueckers setting a league rookie record with 44 points on 17-of-21 shooting.

Seattle (18-18) enters Friday’s contest fresh off a 94-88 victory at Chicago. The Wings will aim to even the season series after winning the most recent meeting, 87-63, on July 22 in Seattle.

Dallas will remain without Arike Ogunbowale (knee), Tyasha Harris (knee), Li Yueru (knee), and JJ Quinerly (knee).

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on ION.

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Grant Afseth

Senior Writer

Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.

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