“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard enough.” These words perfectly embody Sharon Ogaji, a proud alumna of Strathmore Law School’s Class of 2022 and now a certified Safeguarding Officer in Sports with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). Sharon’s journey is one of grit and grace, rising from a humble background in Nyanza to a prominent role on the global stage of sports governance.

When the Ball Bounced Her Into Law

Sharon’s journey to Strathmore University began on the basketball court, though not in the way one might expect. She was scouted by Strathmore’s basketball coach, Ronnie Owino, during the Nyanza regional high school games.

“I wasn’t really good at basketball,” she recalls with a smile. “But Coach Ronnie saw something in me. He saw potential.” That “something” earned her a sports scholarship to Strathmore University, where she arrived with no clear academic direction. “I didn’t know what I wanted to study. I wasn’t even sure I would get in,” she admits. But amid the uncertainty, she took a leap of faith and chose law. “One of my best decisions,” she adds.

Being a student-athlete at Strathmore came with its fair share of challenges. “It was tough,” Sharon admits. “But it was the best opportunity I’ve ever had. Without the scholarship, I couldn’t have afforded Strathmore, not even half.” The first two years tested her limits. “My grades began to dip. Weekdays were for class, evenings for training, weekends for league games. My life was school and basketball.” Yet, in the crucible of that demanding schedule, she forged resilience, discipline, and purpose.

Would she do it all over again? “Absolutely,” says the sports safeguarding officer from the lakeside.

Building a Career in Sports Safeguarding

Graduating in 2022, Sharon actively sought out opportunities as her athletic spirit remained alive. Motivated by conviction, Sharon reached out to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya ( NOC-K) with an urge to explore opportunities in corporate sports. What she truly wanted was experience and exposure to get started.

Sharon, who often takes on pro bono work to learn and grow, says, “Don’t be picky. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ job. Just start. That’s how you discover your niche and perfect your craft.”

At NOC-K, Sharon enrolled in the IOC Safeguarding Officer in Sport course, a one-year certification program designed to equip professionals with skills to protect athletes from harm. “That course opened my eyes,” she says. “As a former athlete, I know what it feels like when systems fail to protect you. I’ve lived it. Now, I want to change that reality for others.” Say Sharon with a strong passion towards reshaping the future of sport in Kenya and across Africa!

Exposure as a Catalyst for Purpose

Many global leaders credit exposure for shaping their perspectives and sharpening their sense of purpose. Just like the leaders, Sharon credits exposure for playing such an important role in shaping her journey. One defining moment came when she joined Kenya’s national 3×3 basketball team for a tournament in Egypt. “That experience went beyond the game,” she recalls. “I saw the logistical side of sports. Managing teams and the operations behind the scenes. It made me realize that I didn’t just want to play, I wanted to lead.”

Today, Sharon dedicates herself to safeguarding and athlete welfare, Areas she feels are often overlooked, especially in Kenya and across Africa. “When you compare us to developed countries, we are miles behind in terms of safeguarding systems and welfare structures for athletes,” she says with concern. Her drive is deeply personal. She speaks of examples such as athletes having unfavorable contracts, athlete abuse, and systemic gaps that inspired her to take action. “Actually, these challenges continue to fuel my passion. I’ve found my niche in safeguarding and there’s so much work to be done.”

Why Every Team Needs a Safeguarding Office

As a Safeguarding Officer with IMMAF, Sharon plays an active, hands-on role in protecting the dignity and well-being of athletes at every level. Her role involves ensuring that the athletes and national federations are at par with IMMAF’s safeguarding standards during events. “Safeguarding looks different across sports,” Sharon explains. “What may be acceptable in swimming could raise serious concerns in another sport. While some principles are universal, there are unique instances that vary from sport to sport.”

Sharon believes that enforcement of consequences when these policies are breached is not really enough without education. “You can’t demand change if people don’t even know what you’re talking about,” she says. “ That’s why we start with education and awareness.” In Kenya right now, I work closely with my safeguarding team to raise awareness among national federations through education and training.”

Her mission is to educate, raise awareness and push for enforceable safeguarding policies within the sports sector as she dreams of a future where Kenyan athletes are protected and thriving. Earning a living from their talent and passion.

A Legal Background with a Human Touch

Sharon credits her legal training at Strathmore University Law School. Her work demands clarity of thought and compassion, qualities she says were sharpened at Strathmore. “The quality of education at Strathmore is something else,” she says. “From the course materials to the student follow-ups, to the interpersonal skills they teach you. Everything is designed to build you up. What they say they do for students, they actually do.”

Being on a scholarship opened her eyes to the power of belief. “Strathmore was the bridge between me and my dreams,” she says. “One day, I want to be that bridge for another kid who just needs someone to believe in her the way Strathmore believed in me.”

Looking Ahead: A Master’s and a Mission

In Fall 2025, Sharon will take the next leap in her journey, pursuing a Master’s in Sports and Entertainment Management at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar. It’s a step aligned with her vision of shaping inclusive, athlete-safe sports systems on both national and global stages.

“Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard enough,” she says, sharing the mantra that has carried her this far. “Diligence is what sets you apart. Don’t be ordinary at any given point. Opportunities come once, make them count.”

Article written by Evans Ijakaa