Buckeye Nation has long been known for producing elite athletes, and the women’s basketball program at Ohio State is no exception. From the moment they stepped onto the court in Columbus, Jacy Sheldon, Kelsey Mitchell, and Taylor Thierry made it clear they were destined for greatness. Now, as they each embark on their respective WNBA journeys, these three dynamic players are carrying the torch of Ohio State excellence to the professional level — and they’re doing it with the poise, power, and pride that made them fan favorites back home.
For Buckeyes fans, this moment is more than just a celebration of talent; it’s a testament to the culture, grit, and determination built within the program. Sheldon, Mitchell, and Thierry represent different stages in Ohio State’s recent basketball legacy, but they share a common thread — relentless work ethic, unshakable confidence, and an unyielding drive to prove themselves at the highest level.
Kelsey Mitchell has already solidified her status as one of the WNBA’s most lethal scorers. Selected second overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever, Mitchell entered the league with sky-high expectations after a record-shattering collegiate career at Ohio State. Known for her deep shooting range, lightning-quick first step, and unguardable pull-up jumper, Mitchell wasted no time making an impact in the pros. She’s averaged double-digit scoring in every season of her career and continues to be the offensive engine for Indiana.
What separates Mitchell from so many others is her consistency. Night in and night out, she delivers — whether it’s knocking down a clutch three-pointer or slicing through defenders on the way to the rim. She’s become the kind of player you can build a franchise around, not only because of her skillset but also because of her leadership and professionalism. For the Fever, who are in the midst of a much-anticipated resurgence with the addition of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Mitchell provides the steady veteran presence every young team needs.
Jacy Sheldon, meanwhile, is stepping into her WNBA rookie season with the Washington Mystics with as much anticipation and excitement as any player in this year’s draft class. A first-round selection in 2024, Sheldon’s two-way prowess, high motor, and elite basketball IQ caught the eyes of scouts across the league. Her defensive intensity alone makes her a valuable asset, but her offensive game — particularly her ability to create off the dribble and shoot from the perimeter — makes her a true threat on both ends of the court.
At Ohio State, Sheldon was known not just for her stats but for her heart. She played through injuries, led by example, and left it all on the court every single night. She became a cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ recent success, helping the team rise through the Big Ten ranks and compete at a national level. In big moments, she delivered. In adversity, she responded. That’s the kind of player WNBA teams crave, and the Mystics knew they were getting a gem when they called her name on draft night.
Now, Sheldon brings that same intensity and passion to a Washington squad looking to reestablish its championship pedigree. She joins a backcourt filled with experience and talent, and her ability to contribute immediately on both ends of the floor makes her a strong candidate for early rotation minutes. If preseason action is any indication, Sheldon’s adjustment to the league is well underway, and her impact may be felt sooner rather than later.
Then there’s Taylor Thierry — a name that Buckeye fans know well and WNBA fans are quickly learning to appreciate. Thierry’s rise has been one of the most inspiring stories to come out of Columbus in recent years. Often underrated, constantly overlooked, Thierry made it impossible to ignore her game with her relentless play. She’s the kind of athlete who does all the little things right — diving for loose balls, boxing out, rotating on defense, finishing through contact. Her energy is contagious, her toughness is unmatched, and her game is built for longevity.
Thierry’s journey to the WNBA is a reflection of her hard work and resilience. Drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks, she enters the league with something to prove — not just to critics, but to herself. Her game is built on versatility; she can guard multiple positions, knock down open shots, and attack the basket with fearless aggression. What she lacks in star-level flash, she more than makes up for in substance and reliability. For a Sparks team looking to forge a new identity and get back to the playoffs, Thierry is a perfect fit.
What makes this trio’s simultaneous rise to the WNBA so special is how it showcases the strength of the Ohio State women’s basketball program. These aren’t just talented players — they’re products of a system that emphasizes accountability, preparation, and unity. Under the leadership of head coach Kevin McGuff and his staff, Ohio State has become a launching pad for women who are ready to take their games to the next level — mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Watching Sheldon, Mitchell, and Thierry compete at the professional level isn’t just exciting for Buckeye fans — it’s empowering for the next generation of players who dream of making the leap from college to the W. These women have become role models, not just because of their on-court ability, but because of how they carry themselves off it. They’ve faced challenges, setbacks, and doubts — and they’ve overcome them all with class and confidence.
Beyond the stats and highlights, what unites these three Buckeyes is their authenticity. They’ve never shied away from who they are, and that integrity shines through every time they lace up their sneakers. For Mitchell, it’s the pride of being a franchise player in a growing league. For Sheldon, it’s the hunger to prove she belongs and the desire to be great. For Thierry, it’s the quiet confidence that she can do whatever is asked of her and then some.
This WNBA season offers a new chapter in each of their careers, but it also offers a shared opportunity to represent where they came from. Every bucket, every steal, every win — it’s all a reflection of the time they spent wearing scarlet and gray. And whether they’re draining threes in Indiana, locking up ball-handlers in D.C., or bringing hustle and heart to L.A., there’s a little bit of Columbus in everything they do.
It’s not often that one college program sends three players with such unique skillsets to the WNBA at once, especially in different stages of their careers. But Ohio State has never been ordinary. It’s a program built on belief — in one another, in the process, and in the pursuit of excellence. That belief is now manifesting itself on the biggest stage, and the basketball world is taking notice.
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and influence, players like Mitchell, Sheldon, and Thierry are exactly what the league needs. They bring talent, sure — but they also bring stories, passion, and purpose. They’re relatable. They’re inspiring. They’re real. And when young girls across the country tune in to watch them play, they’ll see what it looks like to chase a dream with everything you’ve got.
So here’s to the Buckeyes in the W. May they continue to rise, continue to shine, and continue to carry the spirit of Ohio State with them every step of the way. Whether they’re launching from deep, clamping down on defense, or simply leading by example, one thing is clear — this triple threat is just getting started. And the rest of the league better be ready.