The Ohio State Buckeyes women's basketball team has made a significant move to strengthen its coaching staff, bringing on board two esteemed figures from the program's illustrious past. Former Buckeye standouts Katie Smith and Jacy Sheldon have been hired for key roles, poised to guide the team towards new heights of success.

Elevating the Buckeyes to Championship Contention

Welcoming Back a Buckeye Legend

Katie Smith, a 1996 graduate and a revered name in Ohio State basketball history, has been named as the team's new assistant coach. During her time as a player, Smith led the Buckeyes to a Big Ten Championship and was part of the first Big Ten women's basketball team to make an appearance in the NCAA Championship game. She was a Kodak All-American First Team member in her freshman and senior years, cementing her status as one of the program's all-time greats.After a storied professional career that included three Olympic gold medals with Team USA, Smith has returned to her alma mater, eager to share her wealth of experience and expertise with the current generation of Buckeyes. Her induction into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and the retirement of her No. 30 jersey that same year are a testament to the indelible mark she has left on the program.

Welcoming Back a Rising Star

Joining Smith on the coaching staff is Jacy Sheldon, a 2024 graduate who will serve as the director of player development. Sheldon's return to Ohio State comes after a successful rookie season with the Dallas Wings in the WNBA, where she earned a starting spot and showcased her talent.During her time as a Buckeye, Sheldon etched her name in the program's history, becoming one of only three players to amass 1,900 points, 400 rebounds, 350 assists, 200 steals, and 150 three-pointers in their Ohio State career. Her contributions were instrumental in leading the team to its first Elite Eight appearance in 30 years and securing the program's first outright Big Ten regular season title since 2009-2010.Sheldon's accolades include being named to the AP All-American Second Team, USBWA All-American Third Team, and The Sporting News All-American Second Team, as well as being a finalist for the prestigious Nancy Lieberman Award.

Building on a Proud Legacy

Head coach Kevin McGuff expressed his excitement about the additions of Smith and Sheldon, stating, "As former Buckeyes, they both possess a passion for this program that will be instrumental in helping us continue to compete at the highest level of women's college basketball." The duo's deep-rooted connection to the university and the women's basketball program is expected to be a driving force in their efforts to build upon the team's already impressive accomplishments.With Smith's extensive coaching experience, including her time as an associate head coach and head coach in the WNBA, and Sheldon's recent success as a professional player, the Buckeyes are poised to leverage their expertise and leadership to elevate the team to new heights. The coaching staff's commitment to developing the players and fostering a strong connection with the community is expected to further strengthen the program's foundation and fan base.As the Buckeyes prepare to host Charlotte on Tuesday at 6 p.m. inside Value City Arena, the addition of Smith and Sheldon to the coaching staff has ignited a renewed sense of excitement and optimism among the team and its supporters. The future looks bright for Ohio State women's basketball, with these two Buckeye legends leading the charge towards championship contention.