Basketball Player That Won Dancing With The Stars
Basketball players are known for their agility, speed, and coordination on the court. But one basketball player managed to translate those skills into the ballroom and captured the hearts of America by winning the 26th season of Dancing with the Stars. In this article, we'll take a closer look at who this basketball player is, their journey on the show, and how their victory inspired millions of fans.
Who is the Basketball Player That Won Dancing With The Stars?
The basketball player that won Dancing with the Stars is none other than Arike Ogunbowale, a shooting guard for the Dallas Wings in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Ogunbowale was born on March 2, 1997, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended Divine Savior Holy Angels High School where she led her team to four consecutive state championships.
After high school, Ogunbowale attended the University of Notre Dame where she continued to shine on the basketball court. She helped lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to two national championships and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2018 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Ogunbowale finished her college career as the all-time leading scorer in Notre Dame women's basketball history with 2,626 points.
Despite her success on the basketball court, Ogunbowale had zero dancing experience before competing on Dancing with the Stars. However, she was determined to give it her all and poured herself into rehearsals with her partner, professional dancer Gleb Savchenko.
Ogunbowale's Journey on Dancing with the Stars
From the beginning, Ogunbowale impressed the judges and viewers with her natural talent and infectious personality. She consistently received high scores and stole the show with memorable performances, including a contemporary dance dedicated to her late father and a salsa routine that earned a perfect score.
Throughout the competition, Ogunbowale faced tough competition from fellow contestants, including Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and retired NFL player Josh Norman. However, she continued to work hard and improved with each passing week, eventually making it to the finals alongside dance partner Savchenko.
On the final night of competition, Ogunbowale and Savchenko wowed the audience with a fusion dance that combined the tango and cha-cha. Their performance earned them a perfect score of 30/30 from the judges, securing their victory and making Ogunbowale the first basketball player to win Dancing with the Stars.
The Impact of Ogunbowale's Victory
Ogunbowale's victory on Dancing with the Stars was not only a personal triumph but also an inspiration to her fans and fellow athletes. Her ability to excel in two completely different disciplines demonstrated the power of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to try new things.
Moreover, Ogunbowale's success on the show helped raise the profile of the WNBA and women's basketball in general. It showed that female athletes are capable of achieving greatness not only on the court but also outside of it.
Overall, Ogunbowale's victory on Dancing with the Stars was a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing new challenges. As she continues to inspire fans both on and off the court, we can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.