'She's my why: How Jacy Sheldon's Sister Emmy Became Her Greatest Motivation
Jacy Sheldon has transitioned from Big Ten conference star to one of the most impactful emerging competitors in the pro scene–all while having one of her biggest motivators in her corner: her sister Emmy.
Emmy Sheldon, 18, was born with Down syndrome and suffered heart failure at two months old, requiring surgery to repair two holes in her heart. She has spent her entire life navigating obstacles that most people will never face, and doing so with a joy and positivity that has left a lasting mark on her older sister.
This winter, in her Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball debut, Jacy brought greater awareness to those challenges, playing in support of Beyond Ability Matters, a nonprofit led by her aunt Kristyn that provides children and adults with autism and other neurological disabilities access to resources and experiences that enrich their lives.
“She went into heart failure at just two months old and had to overcome that…and hasn’t really let that get in her way or change the light that she brings to people,” Jacy said. “I admire that, and I think that puts things into perspective. We get to play pro basketball, which is pretty cool. It’s something she’ll never be able to do, so I just remember that and value that.”
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During AU’s Causes Night in Nashville, a group of Beyond Ability Matters members made the trip to watch Jacy play, marking the first time many of them had seen her compete in person.
“It was huge. Obviously, I’ve been around them a lot in the past and been able to work with them,” Jacy said. “I’ve watched these adults grow up and been with them through their journey. So it was amazing just to see the excitement, how excited they were, how much fun they had. And a lot of them hadn’t been to Nashville, so they also just got to explore Nashville.”
Jacy, who split time between the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics in the 2025 WNBA season, has served as an ambassador for Beyond Ability Matters and as a Voice in Sport mentor for young athletes. Her commitment to her civic work earned her the 2026 AU Basketball Impact Award.
“One thing about Down syndrome that I want to change is the narrative and negativity around it,” Jacy said. “She’s my why. My best friend, somebody who’s impacted my life probably more than anyone else. Just the things she puts into perspective, what she’s overcome at such a young age, and still the way she looks at life and with so much joy and so much positivity–it kind of gives us no excuse.”
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Jacy has carried Emmy’s example throughout her entire career, reframing the pressures and challenges of professional sports with a mindset her sister inspired.
“I think it has just helped me throughout my whole journey,” Jacy said. “High school, college, pro level, here now, just kind of keeping the mindset of ‘You get to do these things.'”
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, and for Jacy, the date carries significant weight. More than anything, she hopes people take the opportunity to move past harmful misconceptions and simply get to know someone with Down syndrome.
“Every time I see someone with Down syndrome, I go up, and I want to talk to them and get to know them,” she said. “I would just encourage people to do that, because it’s life-changing.”
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
