The Captain's Journal: Odyssey Sims

She was clearly stressed, not so much about the interview but about being a captain. She’d lost the season opener the night before and was overwhelmed having to play, coach, sub, draw up practice plans, and lead a team all at once. She went 0-3.

This year is drastically different. She’s been a captain every week of the 2023 season. First in orange in Week 1, then gold in the No. 1 spot on the leaderboard every week since. She’s comfortable, confident, a little worn down, but smiling.

“When you look at it you’re like, ‘I think O might’ve got a hold of it this year. It looks like she got it,'” Sims said.

It doesn’t just look like she’s got it — she does. She’s 8-5 as a captain and so far has gone 2-1 every week. Since last season, things have clearly changed.

She said season one was like a test run to understand the captain experience and now she’s been more strategic. She’s adjusted how she approaches the draft, this season establishing her style of play and then choosing athletes that can work in that system.

Plus she’s had a confidant the last four weeks in Jordin Canada.

Canada was shockingly taken off the draft board by NaLyssa Smith before Sims could lock her into her team for the fifth time.

“I’m a little heartbroken, not gonna lie,” Sims laughed. “My partner in crime is not with me to finish this last week.”

A last-second decision by Smith broke up what has been a flawless pair. They don’t have to say much to communicate and flow together on the court. Both point guards share the role without fuss.

After celebrating win after win with her team, Sims heads to the stands for ‘J’. He’s at her games and follows her to the training room. Still in her gold 99 jersey, she’s mom. Often right after playing over 30 minutes and dropping double digits in scoring.

 

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Not only is Sims leading her team to wins as a captain, but individually she’s playing off the charts. She holds a 25.6 scoring average and is on a streak with 18 outings of 20 or more points.

The numbers speak to what she wants everyone to know.

“I’m still really good at basketball. I think some people think I fell off but I haven’t. AU speaks volumes so I just let my game talk. Everything else will show for itself.”

Sims signed a seven-day hardship contract with the Connecticut Sun in August last year before ultimately signing on for the remainder of the season. She played in all 12 playoff contests for the Sun as they made a run at the WNBA Championship but lost to the Aces. Right now, Sims remains a free agent for the 2023 W season.

She didn’t go overseas during the offseason and spent her time with her son and working out. She says there’s no secret to her performances and extended minutes for 15 games in just five weeks.