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Ohio State University’s women’s basketball team has made significant moves to bolster its coaching staff with the addition of two highly accomplished former players Katie Smith and Jacy Sheldon. The announcement, which has excited fans and players alike, underscores the program's continued commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
Katie Smith joins as assistant coach
Katie Smith, a celebrated figure in women's basketball, has been named the fourth assistant coach on Kevin McGuff’s staff. Smith, who most recently served as head coach for the WNBA’s New York Liberty, brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to Ohio State.
Her storied career includes two WNBA championships, multiple Olympic medals, and years of coaching experience with teams like the Detroit Shock and the Minnesota Lynx. With the Lynx, she contributed to their appearance in the 2024 WNBA Finals.
“Basketball has given me so much, and Ohio State has given me so much. All I want to do is be a vessel for the players' journey,” Smith shared. “I want to be a positive influence because basketball has been so awesome to me.”
This marks Smith's first collegiate coaching position, a transition that she sees as deeply personal. She explained her decision to move away from the professional ranks by saying, “This is more personal. It’s just, like, family time. I got married a year ago, and I have a seventh grader. I have a freshman here at Ohio State. My parents are getting older. This was more of just a personal decision.”
Jacy Sheldon named director of player development
Jacy Sheldon, a former standout at Ohio State, will take on the role of director of player development, a key position aimed at fostering the growth of student-athletes both on and off the court.
Sheldon, who completed a stellar career with the Buckeyes, was drafted No. 5 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. During her rookie season, she averaged 5.4 points per game across 40 appearances.
Although Sheldon had signed with the Townsville Fire of the Women’s National Basketball League in Australia, she decided to forgo that opportunity due to a lower leg injury. She will now be with Ohio State full-time during the WNBA off-season.
Kevin McGuff, head coach of Ohio State Women’s Basketball, expressed confidence in the impact Smith and Sheldon will have on the team. “At the forefront of what I want this program to be about is our ability to impact young women both on the court and off the court,” McGuff said. “Both Katie and Jacy are going to be extremely impactful with our current players and helping them become who they’re capable of being.”
The future looks bright for Ohio State women’s basketball
With the addition of these two high-caliber individuals, Ohio State Women’s Basketball is poised to reach new heights. The combination of Smith’s vast professional coaching experience and Sheldon’s player development expertise will undoubtedly strengthen the team’s efforts in both competition and personal growth.
As McGuff’s program continues to thrive, the Buckeyes are now positioned to build on their legacy of success with an even brighter future ahead.
