Chiaka Ogbogu: Paris Olympics Best Volleyball Middle Blocker, Medalist

By Charles Igbo

She is Proudly Nigerian! Proudly American

The City of Coppell, Texas, United States of America,  will, literally, stand still Saturday, September, 28, 2024, for Chiaka Ogbogu.

At 6.00pm (Texas time) meaning 12 midnight, Nigerian Time, Chiaka will be hosted to a high profile reception in Coppell. She is the “City Girl.” The Face of Coppell. A citizen in whom the City is proud of, and for whom the Mayor of Coppell,  Wes Meys, and its authorities, declared September 24, 2024, as her day –  Chiaka Ogbogu’s Day.

She deserves it, and more. Chiaka is the pride of the City. For years, she brought Coppell City joy in her craft. She is the Queen of Volleyball, winning medals in High School, College, National and International Competitions. In 2021, she upped the ante during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

She was an invaluable member of the USA Olumide Female Volleyball Squad who took the World by storm, and gave the US its first Volleyball Olympics Gold Medal.

Coppell was ecstatic. Agog. And so was Texas. And the whole of the US. Coppell citizens and residents  revelled in her outstanding performance. And, on her return from Tokyo, she was given a rousing welcome by the City led by its Mayor, Wes Maya. There was a Parade in her honour.

Again, at the Paris Olympics 2024, Chiaka and her US Female Volleyball Team were at their best. Even though they came back with a Silver Medal this time, Chiaka came back with a huge honour. She won the award for the Best Olympics  Female Volleyball Middle Blocker at the Paris Olympics.

Meaning that Chiaka Ogbogu is not just a two-time Olympics Medalist  (Gold and Silver) she is also a proud winner of the best there was in her field at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

For the pride, honour, and joy Chiaka has brought to Coppell, Texas and the USA, the Mayor of Coppell declared September 24 as Chiaka Ogbogu’s Day.

Nigeria, Imo and Anambra should be celebrating too. Chiaka, who stands at 6ft-2″ is a Nigerian-American. She is the beautiful daughter of   Uzor Ogbogu, a top-notch Medical Doctor and his lovely wife, Vicky Adaku Ogbogu, née Ugorji, a top notch home maker, International specialist in furniture, home decor and entrepreneur. They all, including Chiaka’s two younger brothers, live in Coppell, Texas . While Dr. Ogbogu is from Nkpor, Anambra State, Nigeria, his wife is from Emekuku, Owerri North, Imo State. Along with their three children, they are proudly Nigerians and Americans.

Chiaka, 29, is a combination  of brain, beauty and brawn. She majored in  Health Promotion with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences.

And, in her Volleyball Journey, aside from her Olympic honours, has these in her bag:

• Member of US Women National Team since 2018.
• Played professionally in Italy, Poland and Turkey.
• Three-time AVCA First Team All-American at Texas.
• Left Texas with most blocks, block assists in school history.
• Represented US on Women’s Collegiate National Team.
• 2024 USA Volleyball Cup Friendlies vs Netherlands.
• 2024 Volleyball Nations League Final Round.
• 2024 Volleyball Nations League Weeks One, Two, and Three.
• 2023 NORCECA Continental Championship – Silver.
• 2023 Volleyball Nations League Final.
• 2022 World Championship.
• 2022 USAV Cup Friendlies vs Turkiye
• 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final Round.
• 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League. Gold.
• 2019 FIVB World Cup.
• 2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Final.
• 2018 Pan American Cup -Gold; made U.S. Women’s National Team Debut.
• Led Coppell HS to Texas 5A State titles in 2021.
• Earned 2012 Gatorade Texas High School Player of the Year.
• Played club ball for Texas Advantage.

In addition to all that, Chiaka is also a model and has modeled for Ralph Lauren and Milani Cosmetics.

In proclaiming  September 24, 2024, as Chiaka Ogbogu  Day Mayor Maya, among other praises heaped on her ended by noting:

“NOW, THEREFORE, I Wes Maya, Mayor of the city of Coppell, do hereby proclaim, Tuesday, September 24 2024,

“CHIAKA OGBOGU DAY

in recognition of her  outstanding achievements and contributions. Let it be known that we honor and celebrate Chiaka for her extraordinary accomplishments as a two-time Olympic Champion and express our deepest appreciation for the pride she has brought to Coppell and our country.

“IN WITNESS THEREFORE, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Coppell to be affixed this 24th day of September 2024.”

The PROCLAMATION was, attested to by Ashley Owens, City Secretary.

Chiaka Ogbogu: Proudly Nigerian! So very proudly American!!