In a heartfelt moment that transcended sports, Godlieve Mukankuranga, mother of five-star recruit Nate Ament, shared her emotional reaction to her son’s commitment to Duke University’s storied basketball program.
“I am overwhelmed with pride,” Mukankuranga said, speaking to reporters just moments after Nate made his commitment official. “From the hills of Rwanda to the courts of Duke, this journey has been nothing short of miraculous.”
Mukankuranga, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide and a respected nurse in Virginia, reflected on the challenges that shaped both her life and her son’s. “There were days when I didn’t know if I’d see tomorrow,” she said. “But I held on to faith, and now I get to watch my son live out a dream I could’ve never imagined for myself.”
Nate, known for his versatility on the court and his quiet leadership off it, credited his mother’s strength as his biggest influence. “Everything I am is because of her,” he said. “Her story, her sacrifice, her love—it’s what drives me.”
When asked what she told her son after his decision, Mukankuranga smiled through tears. “I told him: ‘Play with heart, play with humility. And never forget where you come from.’”
As Duke fans celebrate the arrival of their newest star, it’s clear that Nate Ament brings more than talent—he brings a legacy of resilience, hope, and the quiet strength of a mother’s love.
