Shyanne Sellers: From Northeast Ohio to the WNBA

Photo via Brad Sellers

Last night in New York City, the basketball world witnessed a dream realized. Shyanne Sellers, the 6’2” dynamic guard from Northeast Ohio, was selected with the 17th overall pick (5th pick of the 2nd round) by the WNBA’s newest expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. The team, which will be based in San Francisco with headquarters in Oakland, made a bold statement by choosing Sellers as one of its foundational pieces.

Sellers’ journey to the WNBA began in Aurora, Ohio, where she starred at Aurora High School, leading her team to four consecutive Suburban League American Division Championships. Despite a COVID-shortened season, she averaged 23 points, 13 rebounds, nearly 5 assists, and 2 blocks per game as a senior. Her AAU roots trace back to the SMAC program, a known breeding ground for elite talent.

A 4-star recruit out of high school, Sellers committed to the University of Maryland, where she built an incredible legacy:

• Freshman Year: Named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team
• Sophomore Year: Earned 1st Team All-Big Ten and a spot on the Big Ten Defensive Team
• Junior Year: Averaged 15 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and posted a career-high 29 points vs. James Madison. Again, named 1st Team All-Big Ten
• Senior Year: Despite battling a knee injury, led Maryland to the Sweet 16, becoming the first player in program history to tally 1500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. Finished her third consecutive season on the All-Big Ten First Team and was a Top 10 finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award (nation’s best shooting guard)

But last night wasn’t just about basketball. In a heartfelt moment, Shyanne also got engaged to fellow Maryland teammate Faith Masonius, making the evening even more unforgettable.

Sellers comes from a powerhouse family rooted deeply in basketball and media:

• Her father, Brad Sellers, starred at Warrensville Heights High School (where the court now bears his name), then at Wisconsin and Ohio State, before being selected 9th overall in the 1986 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. He played in the NBA until 1993 and wrapped up his professional career overseas in 1999. Brad later transitioned to politics as the Mayor of Warrensville Heights and a respected voice in local media.
  X: @ForBradSellers
• Her mother, Kymberly Sellers, had a celebrated media career as the voice of 1 The Quiet Storm in Northeast Ohio. She’s also the founder of The Kym Sellers Foundation, established in 2000 to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.

Shyanne is one of four sisters—Sydney, Syarra, and Shayla—each a part of her support system and journey.

With her poise, leadership, and relentless work ethic, the future is shining bright for Shyanne Sellers in the WNBA, and she’s ready to show the world what Northeast Ohio has known for years: She got game.

Follow Shyanne on X: @ShyanneSellers3