Bio

Omoleye “Rike” Akande is entering her second year as the Head Coach of the Washington Adventist University men’s and women’s cross country programs, bringing over 15 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels.

No stranger to WAU Athletics, Coach Akande previously served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team from 2016–2020, where she was known for her ability to mentor student-athletes and build team culture.

A well-respected figure in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, Akande made her mark as both a player and a coach at Takoma Academy, where she also competed as a member of the school’s cross country team all four years. Her deep ties to the local athletic community and her firsthand experience as a student-athlete at Takoma Academy give her a unique perspective in leading WAU’s runners.

Coach Akande earned her B.S. in Healthcare Administration from the University of Maryland University College in 2014, combining her academic background with her passion for sports and athlete development.

Dedicated, passionate, and experienced, Coach Akande continues to guide WAU cross country with a focus on discipline, perseverance, and personal growth, helping student-athletes succeed on the course, in the classroom, and in life.