Jacy Sheldon (No. 4) of the Dallas Wings goes on the attack against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)
ARLINGTON, Texas — Before Jacy Sheldon made her presence known with her well-rounded game as a rookie guard with the Dallas Wings, the sole WNBA team in Texas, she was around the sports world for most of her life.
Sheldon’s parents, Duane and Laura, respectively coached volleyball and basketball teams. Naturally, the Ohio native gravitated toward both sports when she was growing up.
“I grew up spending most my childhood in Cleveland where my dad was a basketball coach for the early years of my life,” Sheldon said. “So I grew up in the gym. My mom was a volleyball coach, so I’m kind of exposed to both of those.”
As a versatile athlete, Sheldon narrowed her focus to the world of basketball when she was a teenager, a sport that resonated with her nature.
“I knew, I want to say in middle school, that basketball… I just had a passion for the one-on-one competitiveness and just that I’m a super competitive person,” she recalled. “So that kind of drew me to the basketball side of things.
“I did play basketball up until my last year of high school. So played them both for a long time. But basketball, I knew at a very young age, was what I wanted to do.”
Once Sheldon committed to basketball, she leaned on her support system to evolve her craft as a potent scorer and meticulous defender. She did not have to search too far for her inspirations on the hardwood court.
“My dad was a huge one. He taught me a lot of what I know, kind of got me started with basketball,” she said. “I had a lot of mentors throughout that time. Tyrel Jackson is my trainer, who I started working with in high school, and he elevated my game to the next level and very thankful to have been working with him and continue working with him.
“And I’d say him and my dad, my brother [Ajay] who was at OU, Ohio University, two years younger than me. But we compete. We went at it. And as much as I hate to admit it, he’s taught me a lot and helped my game elevate even more. But those are a couple people that I have to give credit to and have helped me just become an overall better player.”
The Heart of It All for Jacy Sheldon
When Sheldon takes to the court, the 5’9” guard is often described as being tough and gritty. Whether it is dribbling her way to the basket, making the deep three to close out a game or stymying her opponents, she chalks up her core traits with her origins in Cleveland, Ohio.
“So before high school, I grew up in Cleveland,” Sheldon shared. “Cleveland’s fun. I think it’s a different style of basketball. And I think that’s where a lot of my competitiveness, toughness comes from. And then, Coffman’s an outstanding school.
“I learned a lot there, had great teams, basketball and volleyball, like you mentioned, and had some great coaches too. So I think being able to compete at that level in central Ohio was really cool. And being able to represent Coffman and build relationships with a lot of people there was awesome.”
One of Sheldon’s favorite sports moments was attending a Cleveland Cavaliers NBA playoff game with her father during LeBron James‘ original stint. It was an incredible, lasting impression for her when she pursued her basketball career along with being a sports fan of her local teams.
“I only went to one Cavs game that I can remember when I was younger,” she said. “My dad got us tickets to a playoff game up, up high. But it was awesome. It was back with LeBron. So it was a really cool experience. We’re huge, huge Cleveland sports fans.
“And we went to a couple of Ohio State games too. I think once that recruiting process started, we went to some women’s games, went to just a few men’s games. Aaron Craft was one of my favorite players watching on the men’s side growing up. Just his grit. But yeah, huge Cleveland and Columbus sports fans.”
Given Sheldon’s love of Ohio sports teams, when she committed to playing for The Ohio State University, she became professionally engrained in the tenacious, no holds barred nature of Big Ten Conference college basketball.
For this particular Ohioan, games against The University of Michigan elevated her competitiveness given the rivalry, sports and regionally, between Ohio and Michigan.
“Of course! Everyone does,” Sheldon said with a grin. “But definitely the team up north who I’m still going to call the team up north, even though I’m in Texas. Just for me, that’s a different kind of rivalry. Growing up, being a kid from Ohio, being able to play them multiple times in the Big Ten, that’s pretty special. So, I always had a chip on my shoulder going against them, no matter what game it was.”
For four of Sheldon’s five years in collegiate basketball, she dueled against Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes led by Kate Martin. On those particular game days, it was appointment sports television for those at home and matchups packing Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio, and Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
“And then obviously, Iowa and that team [Michigan], going against them, we always looked forward to those matchups,” she added. “They’re always pretty intense between Ohio State and them. I think you look forward to great, great players and and great competition.
“Those are the games that make you a better player. And those are games competitors like to play in. So definitely those two teams.”
The World Through Her Sister’s Eyes
Beyond a genuine fandom for Ohio State, Sheldon chose to play for the Buckeyes to be close with her younger sister, Emmy, one of her inspirations, on and off the court.
In spite of Sheldon’s 16-year-old sister’s challenges living with Down syndrome, there is more than a sense of joy with being around her. Namely, her younger sister sees the world in a pure, genuine way, something that Buckeye fans appreciated when she attended home games at Value City Arena.
We love the lock screens! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/MaHxJXpjw7
— Big Ten Women’s Basketball (@B1Gwbball) October 10, 2023
“Oh, gosh. It’s unmatched,” Sheldon said pridefully. “And you mentioned seeing the world from her eyes. And I wish I could and I wish more people could experience her and just her happiness, her glow and her outlook on life because it definitely puts things into perspective.
“She’ll never be down. She’s always happy. She’ll always brighten the room she’s in. And I think it’s been awesome [with] the outside world getting to see that, whether it’s Ohio State fans welcome her.”
The Sheldon sisters get plentiful love in Arlington, Texas during Wings home games at College Park Center. During the Wings’ three-game home stand in mid-June, Emmy was present to support her big sister and her dreams in reaching the WNBA.
Day 3…it’s jersey day! pic.twitter.com/l1ZPLJR9B4
— Dublin Coffman GBK (@LadyRocksHoops) June 5, 2024
“She’s been able to… she gets attention here, too,” she said. “She gets recognized in the stands and thinks it’s the best thing ever. So she’s living the life. It really does put things into perspective and kind of just seeing the world through her eyes is another level, man.”
Through Sheldon’s love and experiences with her younger sister, she uses her platform as a prominent WNBA rookie to promote inclusivity for all walks of life.
Jacy Sheldon proudly sported a Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a coffee chain supporting inclusivity, during her tunnel walk ahead of the Dallas Wings’ matchup against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.. on Saturday, June 22, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)
During her tunnel walk against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena on June 22, she sported a t-shirt from Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a coffee shop chain that celebrates diversity in a beautiful way.
“Absolutely. And that’s something that I definitely want to get out there and do more,” Sheldon said. “I actually… there was a coffee shop in Washington who had their employees all had disabilities.
“I actually went in there and was able to get some of their merch, wear it in the walk in tunnel and just doing stuff like that, being able to use this platform and, and kind of shine a light on individuals like that and like Emmy has been awesome. And like you said, it’s something I absolutely need to do more and I’m excited to, for sure.”
Taking Flight With the Dallas Wings
When Sheldon was selected as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft, it was almost a professional homecoming. Prior to that fateful Monday evening on April 15 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, she had a productive phone call with Latricia Trammell, head coach of the Wings.
Latricia Trammell, head coach of the Dallas Wings, made a strong impact on Jacy Sheldon before being drafted on April 15, 2024. (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
“Yeah, we had a conversation before the draft that just really stuck out,” Sheldon recalled. “Really great conversations, a lot of the same morals and just talked a lot of basketball and talk. The conversation flowed and felt comfortable, and it was right away someone I knew I wanted to play for, a program I wanted to be a part of. So many good things. I wish I could explain all of it.
“I got off the call knowing that that’s where I wanted to go, not knowing at the time that it would be where I was going to end up. But I got off the got off the call like, I want to play for this team. I want to be a part of this organization. And it was a pretty cool feeling. So I actually being drafted here and being a part of it all now is pretty cool.”
Under the tutelage of Trammell and the coaching staff, Sheldon has more than earned her minutes on the floor. Initially coming off the bench as a key catalyst for points and defensive stops, Sheldon earned her place in the starting lineup against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, June 20.
Like most rookies, Sheldon has adjusted to the physical, quicker pace of the WNBA versus her years as one of the top collegiate players in the Big Ten Conference. Nowadays, every inch of real estate on the court is the battleground for the tenacious Sheldon and her determined Wings teammates.
Toughness comes more than just hard contact on the floor or verbally sparring with an adversary during a 40-minute game. Certainly, Sheldon’s support system in her family drives her to be at her best throughout her basketball career.
Likewise, as Sheldon points out, toughness is about being at peak performance from physical and mental standpoints, intangibles she learned during her years growing up in Cleveland and Dublin.
Some of that trademark toughness for Jacy Sheldon (No. 4, Dallas Wings) is on display against Kelsey Plum (No. 10, Las Vegas Aces). (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
“Yeah, that’s the key to the game, man,” Sheldon said. “And you mentioned it, physically and mentally. Those are two of the most important things. And having that toughness throughout that whole journey, that college journey and then even carrying over to this level, I think that’s one of the most important things you can have in this game. If you’re not physically and mentally tough, it won’t get you very far.
“So I think being able to share that, I think throughout Ohio State and kind of implement that into the culture was pretty cool. And then being able to carry it over to this level and it gets you that much more further. So I thank my family for that, my dad for that. Both my parents are coaches, so it was instilled at me in a young age. But it’s definitely something that’s gotten me to this point.”
Thriving with the Starting Five
Known for her dynamic shooting beyond the arc, Sheldon can drive it to the net from coast to coast. However, she enjoys guarding against the best in women’s basketball during each game, doing her part to catalyze her team and regain possession of the ball for critical baskets.
“I do like both ends of the floor a lot,” she said. “Defensively, I think just making it as honestly as annoying as I can for the opposing person I’m guarding. And it’s fun. It’s fun just disrupting. Whether it’s steals, deflections, just getting up in their grill, i think that’s important, especially in this level.
“And then also being able to contribute on that offensive side too. And whether it’s getting someone open, getting people looks, taking those shots when they’re there, I think it’s been a good balance. But I’ve definitely loved competing on the defensive end in this league.”
Focused and determined throughout the game, Sheldon is also known for her incredible energy, hustling on both ends of the court with a unique comparison to her uncanny trait as a young guard.
Jacy Sheldon (No. 4) of the Dallas Wings capitalizes with each opportunity as a rookie guard after her successful collegiate career at The University of Ohio. (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
“No, I would agree,” she said. “I think that’s something that I’ve been trying to do, you know, since college. I have heard them say I don’t get tired. That I don’t agree with. I’m loving that everyone thinks that. And it looks like that. Definitely happy about that. I think it’s funny when they say that.
“But playing with energy on both ends, I think just trying to get everyone going and up to that level and just being the Energizer Bunny and being able to get buckets too and get stops, it’s been a lot of fun.”
Prior to Thursday’s matinee against the Minnesota Lynx, the 2024 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champion, at College Park Center, Sheldon acknowledged her team’s tough 11-game winless streak. Before making the three-point dagger that secured Dallas’ fourth win of the year, she acknowledged the challenges with her team.
“Yeah, we’ve had… you guys know, I mean, we’ve had a lot of injuries, a lot of illnesses,” she explained. “And moving up into that, that lineup has been awesome. But the goal stays the same. I think, the work stays the same as well.
“So getting in the gym just as much and competing and you know that will to win is still there. So, we’re still fighting. We will continue to fight. We got a really good talented group who’s staying together. So we’re excited for the next match ups.”
Through all the ups and downs, it is evident that Sheldon has been embraced by her veteran teammates from jump street. Such belief has been repaid, bit by bit, with Sheldon’s performances after the season’s first 17 games of the 2024 WNBA season.
Jacy Sheldon (No. 4) and Arike Ogunbowale (No. 24) confer during their game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)
“Yeah…. gosh, I’ve gotten a lot of really good advice from this team, this organization specifically,” Sheldon said. “I think just staying aggressive and and staying hungry would be the best advice. Coming in as a rookie, it’s an adjustment. It’s a bit intimidating at first, I think I’m so comfortable now that I’m here.
“Having people in your ear, like Natasha [Howard] and Arike [Ogunbowale] and Satou [Sabally] telling you to be aggressive, you better be aggressive. So, I think that that has meant a ton to me and even coach and Jas [Jasmine Thomas] and our whole staff really, just building…. keep on building that confidence in me and making sure I have it as well has been awesome of them.”
From rooting and playing for the Buckeyes to playing for the Dallas Wings as one of the starting five, perhaps the biggest adversary for Sheldon is the heat. Like anything else, even if the summertime conditions differ from Ohio, she takes it in stride, embracing her new, professional home state like a true Texan.
“Yeah, the heat’s no joke,” Sheldon said, smiling when reflecting on her move to Texas. “You got that right. But I’m loving it. I’m loving it. I like laying in the sun, getting a good tan.
“So it’s been complimented me a little bit, but Texas has been great. Arlington has been great. I haven’t made it to downtown Dallas much. I went to one Mavs game, which was awesome. And that’s about it.”
Those early years on the volleyball court to the basketball court paid dividends for Sheldon, realizing her dreams to make it to the WNBA. When interviewed by ESPN’s Holly Rowe on draft night, Sheldon immediately acknowledged her family’s support throughout her journey.
“Oh my gosh, they’re everything,” Sheldon said. “They’ve done so much for me, especially their support throughout my college career and really, my whole life. But they mean everything to me.”
Now, Sheldon, a Nancy Lieberman Award top-five finalist and one of those named to All-Big Ten First Team and All-Big Ten Defensive Team, is thriving with her Wings teammates. Through it all, she embraces the Texas sports fans like her years in Ohio, determined to give it her best each night as she has since her WNBA debut on May 15.
Jacy Sheldon is dedicated to elevating her craft with the Dallas Wings as a keen three-point specialist. (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
“With our schedule, it’s been hard to really explore and get out there,” Sheldon elaborated. “But so far, so good, I love it. I love the atmosphere here. I love the weather and then obviously basketball and our fans.
“I’ve been here just a short amount of time so far, but I can just tell our fans are so passionate. And so, I think sticking with us in times…. hard times and good times is huge. And they do it. So their support means everything to us and it’ll continue to mean everything to us.”
Editor’s Notes
Special thanks to Jacy Sheldon for taking the time to share her experiences and journey from Ohio to Texas with the Dallas Wings! Be sure to follow Jacy on her official Instagram and X accounts and be sure to visit The Podium Finish for the latest news and feature stories about the Wings.
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