Q&A: Jacy Sheldon talks Caitlin Clark, Mystics, joining AU league

Just two years into her WNBA career, guard Jacy Sheldon has already played for three professional teams.

After starting out her career as the fifth overall selection for the Dallas Wings in 2024, the Ohio State legend landed with the Connecticut Sun in the offseason before being traded again to the Washington Mystics before the 2025 trade deadline.

With Washington, Sheldon helps form one of the most exciting young cores in the WNBA alongside players like guard Sonia Citron, forward Kiki Iriafen, guard Georgia Amoore, center Shakira Austin and guard Lucy Olsen.

While her first full season with Washington awaits later in 2026, Sheldon will be keeping busy in the offseason by participating in the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball League in Nashville that's set for the winter. The offseason league boasts plenty of WNBA vets on its roster, including Sheldon for the first time.

We talked with Sheldon ahead of AU's February start date about joining the offseason league, her fit with the Mystics, how she's advancing her game and her famous on-court battles with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark that date back to when the two played against each other in college.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

How did you get involved with AU? What are some of the things you're looking forward to this upcoming season?

They approached me, I think, right towards the end of the season. It's honestly a league I've always wanted to be involved in. I haven't had the opportunity because of injuries in the past and was super excited when they reached out. I've been a fan of theirs. [I] love watching league, love watching the players, the community atmosphere that they have. I was really, really excited when they reached out. Especially with this roster this year, I think it's an amazing roster, really competitive one, and I'm just excited to be a part of that.

Who are some of the players that you are most excited about playing with in AU?

Honestly, everyone. A lot of girls I've played with before, a lot of vets, a lot of really talented vets and a lot of newcomers. Odyssey [Sims] is one that has played in this league a long time. I got to play with her in Dallas and excited to see her again... A lot of newcomers, [Aneesah Morrow], I played with in Connecticut, excited to get back out there with her. Obviously, you got your vets, Sydney [Colson] and Isabelle [Harrison]... Amazing competitors, amazing people. Anytime you get to take the floor against them or with them, I think it's a really special opportunity.

How was it getting adjusted this past WNBA season after getting traded from the Connecticut Sun to the Washington Mystics?

Being traded midseason was definitely a new experience, just because you're joining girls that have been playing together the whole year. Roles are established. [I] was a little nervous about it, but Washington was amazing from the top down, from the coaches, the girls and the staff. They were amazing. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel comfortable and made it clear that they want to win, and they want to compete, and that's something we all share. It's been great.

How excited are you to be a part of the young core with the Mystics, one that's just scratching the surface of its potential?

I think it's great, and we talked about it a lot, obviously, the second half of the season I was there. We do have so much young talent, and people who want to win and want to get better and want to continue to improve. I think that's really special, and it's fun to be a part of. It's fun to be a part of an environment where everyone is working as hard as they can, and getting in the gym as much as they can. I think it fits with how I go about things as well. [I'm] happy to join them, and obviously, [I'm] happy to help them win next season.

How has your relationship with your sister, Emmy, developed or deepened since you joined the WNBA?

Yeah, that's my girl. I think a lot of the way I carry myself and how I go about things is because of her. It's been great throughout the W... She's been a little confused just because of how many teams; we had to make sure she [gets] updates when we move. She's been amazing and makes each and every day, especially the hard ones, a little easier. [She is] always giving me that positive energy, positive reassurance and someone who's always in your corner. Whenever I have a bad day, call her up, or whenever I'm dealing with change, it's a little easier when I'm talking to her and have her there for me. It's been great. It's definitely made us closer spending some time apart.

Has there been a veteran you've really leaned on, who has taken you under their wing and showed you the ropes?

I've been fortunate enough to play with a lot of really talented veterans because of how many teams I've been on. I'd say, most recently, Alysha Clark and Stefanie Dolson [with the Mystics] have been amazing leaders. Especially [with] me coming in mid-season and having to lean on some people and them just being so vocal and accepting, they've been great.

What are you focusing on improving with your game as you're continuing to develop your skillset as a pro?

Honestly, everything. I think, in the offseason especially, it's a time to get better in every category. For me right now, I was going through an ankle injury, so I had a lot of time to work on ball-handling. [I'm] back on the court now. [I'm now working on] the mid-range game, finishing, keeping that 3-point shot where it should be at and just competing, getting back to playing live now and going against some people and getting the feel for the game again.

How has it been to build on your college battles with Caitlin Clark at the WNBA level?

It's been fun. It's been a lot of fun. Anytime you get to compete against a player like her and someone who's grown the game so much, it's a great opportunity. Any competitor loves to compete. I look forward to those games, especially in Indiana. A lot of fun just to compete... [Playing against Clark] goes all the way back to college, Iowa and Ohio State. It's just been a lot of fun.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Q&A: Jacy Sheldon talks Caitlin Clark, Mystics, joining AU league