What Is Michaela Onyenwere’s Ethnicity, Religion & Nationality? Exploring Her Family Roots & Background

Draft Night 2021 had its No. 1 pick, sure—Charli Collier made history. But the moment that truly stole the internet? That belonged to Michaela Onyenwere… or more precisely, to her grandma.

While ESPN’s Holly Rowe interviewed Michaela post-selection, the camera caught a whirlwind of joy in the background—a proud Nigerian grandmother dancing, beaming, and waving a jacket like it was a royal banner. It wasn’t just viral. It was unforgettable.

And yes, she confirmed with a laugh:
“That was my grandma going crazy in the background when Holly Rowe was interviewing me. She asked to see my mom’s jacket, and before I knew it, my grandma got up and started doing her dance, saying ‘I’m the grandma.’ Hahaha.”

That wasn’t a performance—it was pride, tradition, and pure happiness rolled into one beautiful moment.

And with it came the deeper question:
Where does Michaela Onyenwere really come from—and what legacy does she carry onto the hardwood every time she plays?

 Where Is Michaela Onyenwere From? What’s Her Nationality?

Born in Aurora, Colorado, on August 10, 1999, Michaela Nne Onyenwere is Nigerian-American at her core. Her roots stretch across the Atlantic—deep into Nigeria’s Igbo culture. Her father, Peter Onyenwere, an elite sprinter, arrived in the U.S. in 1985 to run track at the University of Missouri. Her mother, Edith, had moved to America in the 1970s with her family. Both come from Igbo villages just 15 miles apart.

That heritage—it’s Michaela’s rhythm, and she confirmed just that to AfrikDigest by stating

“Living in the United States has given me a lot of opportunities, but my identity and heart lie with my Nigerian heritage. I like that I am able to have the best of both worlds, where I belong to two communities,”

However, it wasn’t just genetics Michaela inherited—it was purpose. Her father once gave her his 1979 Imo State gold medal, a symbol of pride and legacy. Years later, Michaela ran her own leg of that legacy—suiting up for D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national team, for the Paris Olympics.

In fact, she has at multiple times expressed her pride in her nationality, especially in an ESPN interview where she stated, “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.”

What Is Michaela Onyenwere’s Ethnicity and Religion?

Ethnically, Michaela is Nigerian-American— specifically a Nigerian belonging to the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, on both of her parents’ side, a hyphenated identity she wears like a badge. Her culture has always walked with her, whether in the gym or in the spotlight. From family traditions to viral moments, like her grandmother dancing in the background while she was interviewed on her WNBA draft night.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 14: Michaela Onyenwere #12 of the New York Liberty dribbles during the first half against the Indiana Fever at Barclays Center on May 14, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

As far as her religion goes, Michaela Onyenwere lets her Christian faith speak for itself. She doesn’t often spotlight it in interviews, but the signs are unmistakable. Her Instagram bio features Psalm 46:5:

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”

That verse says it all—Michaela sees strength, stability, and support as divine gifts.

And when she announced her departure from UCLA ahead of the WNBA Draft, she made it clear where her gratitude begins:

“I’d first like to thank God for everything He’s done for me. I would not be in this position without Him.”

For Michaela, faith isn’t a spotlight—it’s the steady light that’s always there, guiding her every move.

Where Did Michaela Onyenwere Go to College?

From 2017 to 2021, Michaela became a force of nature at UCLA—both on and off the court. Her stats left a mark: 1,888 career points, ranking her fourth all-time in UCLA history. But her presence stretched beyond scoreboards.

In her senior season, she averaged 19.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, powering UCLA to a Sweet Sixteen finish. That year, she also earned Third-Team All-American honors from both the Associated Press and the USBWA. But accolades weren’t new to her—she was a three-time All-Pac-12 selection and made the All-Freshman Team her debut year.

During this rise, Michaela also grew into a passionate activist. Co-founding the “More than a D.R.E.A.M.” committee at UCLA, she used her platform to amplify voices and dismantle silence around racial injustice.

In fact,while she was on the forefront of this push, Michaela told the LA Times

“We’ve been silent for too long. At the end of the day, I knew what I wanted to do, we knew what we wanted to say, we knew what we wanted to accomplish.”

Her leadership wasn’t limited to campus. In 2019, Michaela represented the U.S. at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. She started all five games, averaging 10 points and 7.8 rebounds en route to a silver medal.

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