Jacy Sheldon (No. 4) of the Connecticut Sun continues to make strides in her sophomore season. (Photo: Holden Barnes | The Podium Finish)
BOSTON — Sophomore guard Jacy Sheldon is emerging as a bright spot for the Connecticut Sun during a trying 2025 WNBA season, showcasing marked growth in her game, leadership and confidence on one of the league’s youngest rosters.
Selected fifth overall by Dallas in the 2024 draft and acquired by Connecticut in a February trade, Sheldon has carved out a reliable role for the rebuilding Sun. In 22 games this season, she is averaging 7.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.9 steals in 24.6 minutes per game, shooting 49.6% overall and 40.3% from behind the arc — on the precipice of an elite 50/40/90 season as pointed out by Conrado Pascual of the center hub.
That efficiency makes her one of her’s team’s top shooters from the field and someone who can come through in the clutch.
Rising Role, Steady Growth
Sheldon’s presence has been felt consistently—even amid losses, her positive influence has been hard to ignore.
“I think it says a lot to how we’re progressing as a team,” Sheldon said after Connecticut’s July 14 game at TD Garden in Boston. “We’re learning how to play together. Our chemistry is growing, even with some new players added. We’re playing really well together and I think when that happens we complement each other’s game pretty well.”
The 5-foot-10 guard has already delivered standout performances, including 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range in an inspirational victory against Seattle on July 9.
“It’s amazing. I’ve never been in this arena,” Sheldon said of playing at TD Garden. “At shootaround today we were a little star struck. But it’s awesome. I think it’s going to be a great environment, so I’m excited.”
Learning on the Fly
Jacy Sheldon (No. 4) is on precipice of a 50/40/90 season with the Connecticut Sun. (Photo: Holden Barnes | The Podium Finish)
Sheldon’s path to Connecticut included a full rookie season in Dallas, where she played in 40 games and averaged 5.4 points and 2.5 assists in 23.3 minutes per contest. With that experience under her belt, she’s found new purpose in a larger role this year.
“A lot. I’ve grown a lot in both aspects,” Sheldon said of her development. “This league teaches you a lot. You play with a lot of amazing players, amazing vets, and I’ve just been a sponge and learning from them along the way.”
“I’ve been lucky enough to be in Dallas and Connecticut at this point, and have two different teams, so it’s been nice to learn from everyone and just better your game overall. That’s the fun part.”
Chemistry Amid Adversity
The Sun’s season has been trying with growing pain moments. They opened 2025 with a narrow loss to Washington and dropped 15 of their first 17 games. Yet, glimmers of promise have emerged — especially through the growth of their young core, including Sheldon and rookie Saniya Rivers.
In the win over Seattle, Sheldon and Rivers combined for 27 points to help snap the team’s double-digit losing streak.
“Getting a win for us, was big,” Sheldon said. “And being able to go back, watch that film and see what we did well and build on that for these upcoming games.”
Veteran Guidance
Jacy Sheldon plays the game with pride, a smile and heart with her Connecticut Sun teammates and coaching staff. (Photo: Holden Barnes | The Podium Finish)
Despite the team’s inexperience, Connecticut’s locker room features established veterans including All-Star center Tina Charles and guard Bria Hartley. Sheldon credits them for accelerating her learning curve.
“You play with amazing vets, and I’ve just been a sponge and learning from them along the way,” Sheldon said.
Charles, who recently surpassed 8,000 career points, posted 29 points and 11 rebounds in the win over Seattle. Hartley leads the team with 3.0 assists per game. Together, they’ve helped foster the chemistry Sheldon spoke so highly of.
A Signature Moment
Sheldon’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed off the court either. On Friday, July 18, she becomes one of the few WNBA players with her own signature shoe. The JS:01, released in collaboration with HOLO Footwear, will be available for purchase online at holofootwearinc.com.
The lightweight lifestyle sneaker blends on-court inspiration with off-court versatility, highlighting Sheldon’s growing presence as both an athlete and brand ambassador.
Looking Ahead
Jacy Sheldon was in awe of TD Garden, a renowned sports arena home to the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. (Photo: Holden Barnes | The Podium Finish)
As daunting as the Sun’s standings look — currently 3–19 — Sheldon’s role remains integral to the team’s direction. Her poise, shooting, and energy offer a steadying force on a roster trying to find its footing in the second half of the season.
Connecticut returns home July 24 to face the Los Angeles Sparks. For Sheldon, it’s another opportunity to continue what’s already been a breakout campaign.
With the Sun working toward consistency and success, one thing is clear: Jacy Sheldon isn’t just part of the Sun’s future — she could be a cornerstone.
Editor’s Notes
Terrill Covey contributed to this feature story onsite from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
