WNBA standout rookie to begin college coaching career

Dallas Wings point guard Jacy Sheldon is headed back to Ohio State — only this time, as a member of the coaching staff.

Sheldon, one of the most decorated players in program history, has been named the Director of Player Development for the Ohio State’s women’s basketball program. She’s one of three Buckeyes to have totaled at least 1,900 points, 400 rebounds, 350 assists, 200 steals and 150 made triples in their careers.

Now, after a rookie season in Dallas, Sheldon will begin working in player development at her alma mater.

In an official statement, Sheldon expressed her excitement for the chance to begin coaching.

“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to contribute to a program that did so much for me as a player and a person,” Sheldon said. “As someone who has so much love and respect for this university and this program, I’m grateful to be around this program beyond my playing years.”

Sheldon, who was drafted No. 5 overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, averaged 5.4 points and 2.5 assists in her rookie season, and earned a starting spot on the Wings midway through the year.

Latricia Trammell, her coach at the team, routinely praised Sheldon, calling her “the calm in the storm. She breathes life into people.”

At Ohio, Sheldon will take that calm and collected demeanor in an effort to mentor younger players. She will work with student-athletes “both on and off the court” and work with “the coaching staff, athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches to develop and implement comprehensive, individualized player development plans,” per the official press release.

Sheldon is one of a handful of top picks from the 2024 draft who won’t be formally playing basketball in the offseason; Angel Reese (No. 7), Rickea Jackson (No. 4), Kate Martin (No. 18), and Aaliyah Edwards (No. 6) will all play in Unrivaled this winter, while others, like Kamila Cardoso (No. 3) will play overseas. Alissa Pili (No. 8) will play in Athletes Unlimited, another offseason basketball place taking place in the U.S. Cameron Brink (No. 2) will continue rehabbing an ACL tear, while Caitlin Clark (No. 1) has yet to decide her offseason plans.

In addition to hiring Sheldon to spearhead player development, Ohio State added fellow alumni Katie Smith as assistant coach. Smith has coached in the WNBA for the last 11 years, and has spent the last five as an assistant on the Minnesota Lynx. Smith, a two-time WNBA champion and seven-time All-Star, is also one of Ohio State’s greatest former players.

“I’m both excited and grateful to return to my alma mater, Ohio State, and to the city my family and I proudly call home,” Smith said. “Ohio State and its women’s basketball program played such a pivotal role in my journey and I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the program that helped shape me.”

Smith and Sheldon will both support head coach Kevin McGuff in the 2024 season.

For Sheldon, who played under McGuff for five seasons, it’s a particular full-circle moment.