Washington Mystics guard Jacy Sheldon remains a steadfast advocate for inclusion and the “Beyond Ability Matters” mission. (Photo: Ability Matters)
The month of March usually signals one thing for basketball purists: madness. For Washington Mystics guard Jacy Sheldon, it is a time of reflection, observation, and a healthy dose of “cheerleading” for her beloved alma mater, The Ohio State University Buckeyes.
While the basketball world is currently buzzing over the verbal agreement of a new WNBA CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), a landmark moment that promises a bright future for the league, Sheldon is focused on a different kind of progress. Whether it is reclaiming her form on the court after a challenging 2025 season or amplifying the voices of the neurodivergent community through Beyond Ability Matters (BAM), Sheldon is proving that her “pro moves” are not limited to the hardwood.
The Road Back to Nashville
After a 2025 WNBA season that ended prematurely due to injury, Sheldon spent the winter in a grueling cycle of rehab and recovery. The payoff came in Nashville, Tennessee, where she competed in the high-stakes environment of Athletes Unlimited (AU) Pro Basketball.
“It was refreshing, for sure,” Sheldon said of her return. “I spent pretty much that second half of my second season getting healthy and rehabbing… it was very refreshing to get back on the floor, get used to my body again, and get used to feeling the way it’s supposed to.”
Jacy Sheldon’s time in Nashville with Athletes Unlimited allowed her to regain her confidence and fitness ahead of the 2026 WNBA season. (Photo: Ability Matters)
The AU format is famously unique, with rosters and captains shifting weekly based on a leaderboard. For a player like Sheldon, who is known for high-energy defense and selfless playmaking, the format provided a masterclass in adaptability. Unlike the traditional WNBA structure where roles are solidified over months, AU requires players to find chemistry in a matter of hours.
“It is definitely a unique type of format. It’s player-run, player-led,” she noted. “You change teams, change captains each week. It makes you adapt on the fly. By week four, I think we’re all sick of each other—we’ve all at least played against or with each other that whole month! But it was a blast.”
Beyond the fun of the format, Sheldon utilized the time to sharpen her offensive arsenal. Often categorized as a defensive specialist, she leaned into becoming a “three-level scorer,” using the intensity of the AU leaderboard to fuel her aggressiveness. She admitted that she can sometimes be “passive” when it comes to creating her own shots, but the Nashville experience forced her to switch gears and hunt for scoring opportunities when they presented themselves.
Advocacy Beyond the Arc
While her play in Nashville was impressive, it was Sheldon’s work off the court that earned her the AU Impact Award. The recognition highlighted her deep-rooted connection to the special needs community, a cause that has been a part of her life long before she was a household name in Columbus or Washington.
Jacy Sheldon (center) celebrating with the Beyond Ability Matters community during an Athletes Unlimited game in Nashville. (Photo: Ability Matters)
“That was the coolest part of my experience,” Sheldon admitted. Her advocacy is driven by her family—specifically her Aunt Kristen, a longtime special education professional, and her sister, Emmy. “I think for me it starts with my aunt and my sister… I belong in an atmosphere like they do. It’s been really special to get to know the adults they’re working with. It really does change your perspective. I don’t have as many bad days because of it. And when I do, it’s what keeps me going.”
For Sheldon, advocacy is not a PR obligation; it is her “why.” Whether she is visiting inclusive businesses in D.C. or cheering on the BAM community as they prepare for a life-changing trip to Disney World in Japan later this month, she remains committed to normalizing inclusion.
“Anytime I ever cross paths with someone who has someone in their family with special needs, whether it’s autism or Down syndrome, I always share what my aunt does,” she said. “I love seeing anyone with special needs throughout the community. I think it’s important and it needs to be normalized.”
A heartfelt moment between Jacy and her aunt, Kristyn, whose motivation fuels Jacy’s work both on and off the court. (Photo: Ability Matters)
As someone who is neurodivergent and on the spectrum myself, hearing Jacy speak so authentically about this hit home. It isn’t just about charity; it’s about the humanizing power of sports to bring people together who might otherwise feel sidelined.
The “Mystic” Chemistry of 2026
As the 2026 WNBA season approaches, Sheldon is eager to rejoin a Washington Mystics squad that has been busy across the globe. While Sheldon was battling in Nashville, her teammates Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen were showcasing their skills in the Miami-based Unrivaled Basketball league.
The prospect of bringing those disparate offseason experiences back to D.C. is what excites Sheldon most. The Mystics were in the playoff hunt last year despite the hurdles, and with a healthy Sheldon back in the mix, the ceiling in D.C. is significantly higher.
“That’s kind of the fun part of each year,” she said. “Seeing the growth every year, and then being able to bring that growth together and build that chemistry. That’s the best part of the job.”
Though she only appeared in a few games for the Mystics last season before her injury, Sheldon is already enamored with head coach Sydney Johnson’s system. She plans to head to Washington early this April to begin workouts, eager to prove that she is ready to be a primary playmaker in an offense that prizes ball movement and versatility.
Once a Buckeye, Always a Buckeye
Despite her professional success, Sheldon remains tethered to her roots in Dublin, Ohio. She recently spent time practicing with the current Ohio State team, moving from her role as a staff coach last year back to her role as their primary cheerleader.
“I still stay in touch with a lot of my former teammates—a lot of those girls are still my best friends,” she said. “Practicing against them, trying to make them better… it’s been awesome. They have an amazing group and they’ve had a really great season.”
Sheldon reflected on the “crazy” experience of coaching her peers just one year after playing with them, noting that it forced her to learn how to communicate without being the one with the ball in her hands. Now, back in “fan mode” for March Madness, she is simply enjoying the ride.
A Legacy of Grit and Kindness
As she looks toward her own legacy, one that is still very much in its early chapters, Sheldon’s goals remain remarkably grounded. She does not just want to be remembered for her defensive grit or her “impeccable” playmaking.
“I want people to look back and think about the way I played, always giving it my all and impacting winning,” Sheldon reflected. “But me as a person is more important than me as a player. I want to be remembered as someone who treated others amazingly, embraced others, and had fun out there.”
If her recent offseason is any indication, Jacy Sheldon is well on her way to achieving exactly that. Whether she is locking down a defender or opening a door for the neurodivergent community, her impact is undeniable.
And as for the future? Beyond her prowess on the basketball court, her heart of gold will resonate through BAM and Ability Matters, and a world of inclusion and acceptance.
Support the Mission: Beyond Ability Matters
Jacy Sheldon believes that sports and advocacy go hand-in-hand to create a more inclusive world. (Photo: Ability Matters)
While Jacy Sheldon makes an impact on the professional hardwood, her heart remains with the community served by Ability Matters and its non-profit arm, Beyond Ability Matters (BAM). Based in Columbus, Ohio, the organization is dedicated to empowering adults with special needs through inclusive services, housing, and life-changing experiences.
How You Can Get Involved
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Annual Golf Outing: BAM’s signature fundraising event is its annual golf outing. Supporters can participate as golfers, sponsors, or volunteers to help fund the organization’s mission.
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Support Life-Changing Trips: Contributions to BAM help provide travel experiences for adults with special needs. This March, the community is heading to Disney World in Japan, following previous successful trips to Nashville and Orlando.
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Stay Informed: Follow Jacy Sheldon’s journey as an ambassador for the organization and look out for future initiatives, including a planned Beyond Ability Matters Basketball Camp.
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Normalized Inclusion: As Jacy advocates, the best way to help is to normalize inclusion in your own community. Whether it’s supporting businesses that hire individuals with special needs or advocating for accessible housing, every action counts.
Learn More: To find out how to donate or participate in upcoming events, visit the official Ability Matters social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and their official website!
