Jacy Sheldon shines despite Dallas Wings’ slow start

Second-year head coach Latricia Trammell has described the minutes Sheldon and the other reserves are on the floor as invaluable. One thing that sets Sheldon apart, however, is how she played her way into the starting lineup.

“Jacy has been great. She has been, what we like to say, thrown into the fire really early, but I love her. I mean she has the best attitude,” Trammell said before the Wings’ 87-81 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on July 13.

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The 5’11 guard was drafted at No. 5 overall to add depth to the guard position and play both ends of the court. Sheldon told The Next she is the type of player that gives her all on both sides of the floor and is someone that can score on all three levels, which she says she needs to do more for Dallas.

“I think everyone would appreciate it. I like moving the ball. I like to get in there for rebounds even though I am a litter shorter out here. I like to finding the open man too. I think that I can grow in all aspects of that, obviously,” Sheldon said.

Becoming a difference maker

The rookie currently averages 5.3 points and 1.8 assists per game. She has started 12 of 25 games, including a career night against the Washington Mystics on June 22 where she scored 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. Sheldon told The Next she is trying to do everything she can to help Dallas win while playing through nagging injuries of her own.

“Once I’m out there I don’t feel anything, to be honest,” Sheldon explained. “I feel pretty good, but that’s also been a part of my career just fighting through injuries and being able to play regardless.”

The Wings 2023 first round draft picks, Stephanie Soares and Lou Lopez Senechal, are still battling through injuries. As a result, they have not been able to contribute much on the court. Sheldon has had to step up for Dallas, playing the one and two guard positions.

Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Third leading scorer and 2024 All Star Most Valuable Player Arike Ogunbowale says Sheldon loves the game and always competes hard:

“She’s always getting extra shots and she’s always ready. She knows how much defense myself [and the rest of the team] attracts … so she’s always getting into gaps, always opening,” Ogunbowale said after the Wings’ 101-93 win over the Indiana Fever on July 17. “She’s our fastest player, just all around locked in, especially for a rookie like she can really be counted on, so she is doing amazing.”

Playing for her family

Sheldon’s 16-year-old sister Emmy was born with Down syndrome, and has become famous around the league. Trammell says she and Sheldon often joke about how her sister is more famous than she is. The former Ohio State standout told The Next it feels amazing for Emmy to be recognized and appreciated.

“When she comes to these games, she’s got people asking for her autographs, for pictures and she’s enjoying every bit of it. For me, it’s just pretty cool to see the effect she has on others, the way she’s affected me since she [was] born,” Sheldon said. “We call her a blessing because it’s something you don’t really know you’re missing until you have her in you life. I think just being able to shine her light on others has been the best part of this whole journey to be honest.”

Looking ahead

Dallas is last in the WNBA standings, but are not to be counted out yet. 2023 Most Improved Player Satou Sabally is expected to return after the Olympic break, as well as 2023 No. 1 overall pick Maddy Siegrist. As for Sheldon, Trammell says she has become a defensive fireball and a great teammate.

“That’s what we want and what we have needed,” Trammell said. “Let’s just talk about her attitude and just being a teammate. She’s such a good person and always has a smile on her face, so I’ve been really proud of Jacy.”

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If Jacy Sheldon continues to improve her play-making and defensive abilities, she has the potential to help Dallas string some wins together by spreading the floor and locking down opponents. With Sheldon taking on more responsibilities and injured players returning to the court, Dallas has a chance for a comeback in the second half of the season.

The Dallas Wings will resume play after the Olympic break on Aug. 16, when they will host the second-ranked Connecticut Sun.