Bella Murekatete, born on July 4, 2000, has made significant strides in the world of professional basketball, representing the Rwanda national team on the international stage. A trailblazer in her own right, Murekatete is believed to be the first Rwandan-born athlete to compete in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, a notable achievement that has inspired many in her home country.
Her time with the Washington State Cougars showcased her exceptional skills and work ethic, leading to her being named the 2022 Pac-12 Conference co-Most Improved Player of the Year. During that season, she averaged an impressive 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, solidifying her reputation as a dominant force on the court. Murekatete’s journey from Rwanda to NCAA Division I basketball underscores her dedication and talent, marking her as one of the most promising figures in Rwandan sports today
Early years
Murekatete grew up playing football and volleyball in her native Rwanda before discovering basketball. She moved to Post Falls, Idaho on an F-1 visa at the age of 14 to play the sport at Genesis Prep Academy. Murekatete was a three-time first-team all-state selection. She also played with North Idaho Elite on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit. In November 2018, Murekatete signed a letter of intent to play at Washington State.
National team career
Murekatete represented Rwanda at the 2015 FIBA Africa Under-16 Championship for Women, where she averaged 14.3 points and a tournament-best 22 rebounds per game and earned all-tournament honors. She notably recorded 24 points and 37 rebounds in a loss to Tunisia.
Murekatete represented Rwanda at the 2018 FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship, where she averaged 16.8 points, 13.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game and earned all-tournament honors after leading her team to a fourth-place finish.
Murekatete made her debut with the senior national team in a 2023 Women’s Afrobasket qualifier.
During the game Rwanda Vs Lebanon in pre-qualifiers of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, she starred with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 4, 2000 |
| Nationality | Rwandan |
| Listed height | 6Â ft 3Â in (1.91Â m) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Genesis Prep (Post Falls, Idaho) |
| College | Washington State (2019–2024) |
| Position | Center |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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