Leadership isn’t something athletes suddenly discover at the highest level. It’s built through daily habits, tough conversations, and moments that test your composure. For VIS Mentor and WNBA player Jacy Sheldon, leadership is about how you show up for your teammates just as much as you perform.

Through her experiences at every level of the game, these five lessons have shaped how Sheldon leads and helps others grow.

Lesson 1: Communication

For Sheldon, communication sits at the core of leadership.

“I think one of the most important qualities of a leader is communication,” she says. “Communicating with your teammates, coaches, and organization members is very important when on and off the court.”

But effective communication goes beyond just speaking up. Sheldon emphasizes the importance of understanding how people receive information. “Learning how to communicate with your teammates differently in order to get through to them is also important,” she explains.

Lesson 2: Composure

Leadership is often tested in moments of adversity, and Sheldon believes that composure allows leaders to guide their teams through those challenges.

“In sports, we deal with a lot of adversity,” she says. “And when those experiences come, it is important for the leader to keep their composure in order to help the team through a rough patch.”

By staying steady in high-pressure moments, leaders create a sense of calm that teammates can rely on.

“As a leader it is important to go out of your way to build relationships with everyone on your team. When you build relationships with others you build trust and knowledge about one another that helps teams excel on the court”

VIS Mentor Jacy Sheldon

Lesson 3: Accountability

Accountability, in Sheldon’s view, is non-negotiable.

“Accountability as a leader, in my opinion, is most important,” she says. “Holding one's self and other teammates accountable is a skill that takes teams to the next level.”

Sheldon believes accountability requires honesty. “Being able to give each other constructive criticism while also getting on each other when needed makes good teams great,” she adds.

Lesson 4: Leading by Example

Leadership isn’t about what you say. It’s what you do.

“It's also necessary for a leader to lead by example while on and off the court,” she says. “If the leader isn't partaking in the things they're preaching, their teammates won't always have that needed respect.”

By modeling effort, discipline, and consistency, leaders set the tone for the entire team.

Lesson 5: Relationships

Strong teams are built on strong relationships, and Sheldon believes leaders must be intentional about building them.

“Lastly, as a leader it is important to go out of your way to build relationships with everyone on your team,” she says. “When you build relationships with others you build trust and knowledge about one another that helps teams excel on the court.”

That trust, she believes, is what allows teams to perform at their best together.

Why Leadership Matters for Athletes

Leadership is a crucial part of the athlete experience. It’s forged through challenges and guides teams through seasons.

“Leadership is a huge aspect of being an athlete because you learn from experiences that test you. I think leadership helps build you into a better, more complete player,” Sheldon says.

Great teams aren’t defined by one voice. They are elevated by many. As your next season approaches, carry these five lessons with you and grow into a leader both on and off the court.