Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird: The Arike Ogunbowale Interview Release Date: June 13, 2025

In this compelling episode of Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird, Hall of Famer Sue Bird delves deep into the career and personal journey of Arike Ogunbowale, a two-time WNBA All-Star and renowned basketball talent. The conversation spans Arike's early athletic endeavors, her collegiate triumphs, transition to the professional league, and her current role evolving within the Dallas Wings. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their candid discussion.

Introduction to Arike Ogunbowale

Sue Bird sets the stage by highlighting Arike Ogunbowale’s pivotal role in high-pressure game situations, emphasizing her consistent ability to perform when the stakes are highest. Arike shares her initial self-doubts with a poignant reflection:

Arike Ogunbowale [00:00]: "What I'm like, am I washed? Am I washed? Can I even get to the basket?"

Sue acknowledges Arike's current challenges as a veteran on a rebuilding Dallas Wings team grappling with injuries:

Sue Bird [00:14]: "She's in a new chapter of her career where she has to take on a new role, being a vet on a new look Dallas Wings team that is still figuring it out."

Early Athletic Career and Recruitment

Arike discusses her dual-sport background, balancing soccer and basketball, and the tough choice to focus solely on basketball during high school. Reflecting on her athletic family, she credits her brother’s perseverance as a significant influence on her own work ethic:

Arike Ogunbowale [09:08]: "His story is kind of different because I was always, like, top five in the country, like, best in the state... He literally had to work from the bottom at every situation he was at."

Her recruitment journey led her to Notre Dame, where she faced unexpected challenges, including playing behind established teammates. This period was marked by significant personal growth and resilience.

Collegiate Success and National Championship

Arike recounts her transformative senior year at Notre Dame, leading her team to a national championship with memorable buzzer-beaters. She highlights the mental fortitude required to perform under immense pressure:

Sue Bird [05:43]: "Do you want to explain what happened?"

Arike Ogunbowale [05:57]: "Yeah... I just stuck my foot out and it just happened to get misdirected and went into the stands."

The discussion touches on the infamous 2018 NCAA tournament run, where Arike and her teammate Jackie achieved unprecedented back-to-back buzzer-beaters, securing their legacy and Arike’s eventual role as a trailblazer in clutch moments.

Transition to the WNBA and Early Professional Years

Upon entering the WNBA, Arike shares her initial struggles adapting to the professional level’s higher IQ and physicality:

Arike Ogunbowale [32:23]: "It was thinking more IQ for me because I felt up to speed... players were smart. Like, they were always one step ahead."

Despite a rocky start, she underscores her continuous improvement and adaptation to new team dynamics, ultimately finding her stride and becoming a key scorer.

Current Season and Team Dynamics with the Dallas Wings

Arike discusses her role as a veteran on the Dallas Wings, a team undergoing significant transitions with new players and a fresh coaching system. She emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and mutual support amidst the growing pains:

Arike Ogunbowale [40:53]: "I think the best thing is that we actually like each other... We're struggling, but we're struggling together."

She highlights the impact of integrating new talent like Paige Beckers, praising her skills and drawing parallels to her own experiences, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

Personal Growth and Mentality

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Arike’s personal development, particularly her efforts to control her emotions on and off the court. She reflects on how past setbacks, like missing critical free throws in the national championship, have sharpened her focus and resilience:

Arike Ogunbowale [28:13]: "Literally, I say that in my head every time I shoot a free throw."

Sue Bird and Arike engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the balance between technical skills and mental toughness, underscoring the importance of leadership and emotional regulation in Arike's evolving role.

All-Star and USA Team Experience

Arike shares insights from her experiences playing in the WNBA All-Star games and representing the USA team. She describes the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define these high-profile events:

Arike Ogunbowale [50:18]: "It's really chill. Like, I feel like everybody tries not to, like, overdo it."

She also recounts memorable moments, including confrontations and playful exchanges that highlight the unique dynamics of All-Star showcases.

Future Outlook and Areas for Growth

Looking ahead, Arike identifies key areas for personal and professional growth, particularly in leadership and maintaining composure during intense moments. She speaks candidly about her aspirations to continue impacting her team positively:

Arike Ogunbowale [55:44]: "Probably just my emotions. I'm a very emotional player. Like, getting ejected... I'm trying to control my emotions, like, I'm very emotional."

Sue Bird praises Arike’s dedication to self-improvement and her strategic approach to overcoming challenges, reinforcing her status as a pivotal figure in the WNBA.

Conclusion

Sue Bird wraps up the interview by highlighting Arike’s impressive trajectory and her balanced focus on both athletic prowess and personal growth. She commends Arike's ability to maintain a calm and confident demeanor amidst adversity, solidifying her role as a leader on the Dallas Wings.

Sue Bird [56:31]: "So I really enjoyed that. All right. This episode is a co-production of Together and Vox Media..."

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments and a celebration of Arike’s enduring impact on and off the court.

Key Quotes

• Arike Ogunbowale [00:00]: "Am I washed? Can I even get to the basket?"
• Sue Bird [09:08]: "So you were in Milwaukee."
• Arike Ogunbowale [28:13]: "Literally, I say that in my head every time I shoot a free throw."
• Sue Bird [55:44]: "What areas of growth for you personally are you focused on right now?"
• Arike Ogunbowale [55:54]: "I'm very emotional. Like, getting ejected... I have to try to keep my emotion in check."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird offers an in-depth exploration of Arike Ogunbowale's journey through basketball, emphasizing her resilience, leadership, and continuous pursuit of excellence. For fans and newcomers alike, Arike's story serves as an inspiring testament to overcoming challenges and evolving both as an athlete and an individual.