LOS ANGELES — Olivia Nelson-Ododa, center for the Connecticut Sun, recently returned to Los Angeles, where she spent her rookie season with the Sparks, and reflected on her development, the differences between teams, and the impact of gun violence on her life.
Nelson-Ododa took some time to reconnect with the city. "I've been spending time with my niece, just shopping and enjoying the weather," she said. She also acknowledged the intensity of her new team, noting how Sun assistant coach Austin Kelly runs in-depth practices before the game. "It's very detailed. They want everything done exactly right for the best success," Nelson-Ododa said.
Reflecting on her time with the Sparks, Nelson-Ododa spoke about the invaluable experience of learning from veteran players and how that has carried over to her role with the Sun. "Just being able to pay attention to what the vets are doing, always picking their brain—that's something I had to adjust to in my rookie year, and it's helped me now," she explained.
The Sun have found more success than the Sparks this season, which Nelson-Ododa acknowledged. "It feels great to be part of a winning team," she said. "It makes all the hard work pay off. Who doesn't want to win?"
While Nelson-Ododa is embracing success, the impact of gun violence has caused her to experience waves of sadness. She was deeply affected by a recent school shooting at Apalachee High School. Nelson-Ododa says the shooting that happened in her Georgia hometown took an emotional toll as her cousin was present when the shooting began.
"It's heartbreaking. My cousin was there and saw things she shouldn't have seen at that age," Nelson-Ododa said. "It's gut-wrenching, especially when it happens to people you love."
Nelson-Ododa voiced her frustration with politicians who continue to support access to assault rifles, even in the wake of such tragedies. "I don't think anyone is trying to take away guns, but assault weapons shouldn't be available to civilians, especially not to 14-year-olds," she said.
Despite her strong views, Nelson-Ododa has faced the common criticism that athletes should refrain from speaking on political matters. "We're people at the end of the day," she said. "It doesn't make sense to shut down someone's voice just because they're an athlete. That's the opposite of what this country is supposed to stand for."
To cope with the emotional impact of the shooting, Nelson-Ododa has leaned on her family and friends for support. "The sadness comes in waves. When I'm on the court, I'm happiest, but it hits me at other times. I just try to navigate those feelings," she shared.
On a lighter note, Nelson-Ododa addressed a question many fans have been wondering: why doesn't she dunk more often? She joked about her dunk in the McDonald's All-American Game, saying it took weeks of practice. "If I want to do it again, I'll have to train for it," she laughed.
Nelson-Ododa's journey from her rookie season in Los Angeles to her current success with the Sun has been marked by growth, both on and off the court. As she continues to evolve as a player and advocate, her presence in the league is a testament to her resilience and determination.
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