BREAKING: Ohio State Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kevin McGuff Strengthens Coaching Staff with Iconic Alumna Katie Smith and Emerging Leader Jacy Sheldon

Ohio State women’s basketball is making a significant power move as Head Coach Kevin McGuff revamps his coaching staff with two major additions. Former Buckeye legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Katie Smith is set to join the program as an assistant coach, while recent Ohio State standout Jacy Sheldon will transition into a player development role. These high-profile hires indicate McGuff’s commitment to taking the Buckeyes to the next level, blending experience with fresh perspectives to build a dominant team.

Katie Smith Returns to Columbus

A name synonymous with Ohio State basketball excellence, Katie Smith is coming back to her alma mater to help guide the next generation of Buckeye stars. Smith’s storied playing career saw her become one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, with an impressive résumé that includes two WNBA championships, seven All-Star selections, and three Olympic gold medals.

Following her playing career, Smith transitioned seamlessly into coaching. She spent over a decade coaching in the WNBA, including a stint as the head coach of the New York Liberty and, most recently, as an associate head coach for the Minnesota Lynx. Under her guidance, the Lynx made a deep playoff run in 2024, reaching the WNBA Finals. Now, she returns to Columbus, where she first made a name for herself in the 1990s, ready to impart her extensive basketball knowledge to Ohio State’s players.

McGuff spoke highly of Smith’s return, emphasizing the impact she will have on both the coaching staff and the players. “Katie’s experience at the highest level of the game, both as a player and a coach, is invaluable. She knows what it takes to win championships, and her return to Ohio State is going to be a game-changer for our program,” McGuff stated.

Jacy Sheldon Takes on a New Role

Joining Smith in Columbus is another familiar face—Jacy Sheldon. The former Ohio State guard, who was instrumental in leading the Buckeyes to an Elite Eight appearance in 2023, has been named the program’s director of player development.

Sheldon was a force during her collegiate career, surpassing the 2,000-point mark and earning multiple All-Big Ten honors. Her leadership and on-court prowess led to her selection as the fifth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. Now, after gaining valuable experience in the professional ranks, she is set to give back to the program that shaped her.

Her new role will focus on mentoring current Buckeyes, helping them prepare for both collegiate success and potential professional careers. McGuff praised Sheldon’s dedication to the team, stating, “Jacy’s passion for Ohio State and her understanding of what it takes to succeed here make her a perfect fit for this role. She has lived the experience of being a student-athlete at this level, and her knowledge will be incredibly beneficial to our players.”

A New Era for Ohio State Women’s Basketball

These coaching staff additions signify a bold step forward for Ohio State’s women’s basketball program. Smith’s wealth of coaching experience, combined with Sheldon’s firsthand knowledge of what it means to play for the Buckeyes, creates a dynamic combination that is expected to have an immediate impact.

McGuff, who has led the Buckeyes to multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs, is optimistic about the team’s future with Smith and Sheldon on board. “We want to compete at the highest level, and bringing in great basketball minds like Katie and Jacy is a step in that direction. They understand the culture of Ohio State, they know how to develop players, and they are committed to winning,” he said.

The Buckeyes are already a force in the Big Ten, consistently contending for conference titles and making their presence known nationally. With the return of these two Ohio State icons, expectations are higher than ever.

Fans will be eagerly watching to see how Smith and Sheldon’s influence translates on the court as the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season. Their presence not only strengthens the coaching staff but also reinforces Ohio State’s reputation as a program that values excellence, tradition, and development at the highest levels of women’s basketball.