Shelomi Sanders, the daughter of NFL Hall of Famer and current Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders, has made waves this week with her much-anticipated return to basketball as part of the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. Competing in the rigorous Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), she is eager to showcase her talents on the court and finally step into the spotlight she believed she deserved.
In her debut with Alabama A&M, Sanders left quite the impression. In just 10 minutes of playing time, she scored 14 points, snagged one rebound, dished out one assist, and made two steals. That’s not just hustling; it’s making every second count. With a shooting percentage of 41.6% from the field and an impressive 40% from beyond the three-point line, Sanders is proving that she has the skills and focus to hold her own in competitive college basketball.
Reflecting on her previous season, it’s clear that Sanders faced a tough uphill battle while trying to secure a place in Colorado’s starting lineup. She logged a mere 11 minutes of playing time and made just one three-pointer in a game against Air Force—a stark contrast to the impact she made during her debut with Alabama A&M. The reality of not being utilized fully could have been disheartening for anyone, especially a player with so much potential.
Earlier this year, murmurs began circulating that Sanders was unhappy at Colorado, sparked by her decision to consider transferring. During an Instagram Live session, she honestly expressed her frustration: “I don’t want to say anything too bad. It just wasn’t good energy. It wasn’t good vibes. There wasn’t enough being poured into me as a player and young lady. If I didn’t leave when I did, I promise you I would’ve quit.” Her words resonate with many young athletes who have felt neglected and unappreciated in their endeavors.
Before joining her father and brothers, Shedeur and Shilo, at Colorado, Sanders initially spent her freshman year at Jackson State during the era of “Coach Prime.” However, she didn’t play on the women’s basketball team that year, which delayed her long-awaited collegiate debut. It’s a common experience for many student-athletes: the feeling of being held back, stuck just waiting to get on the field or court and prove their worth.
Deion Sanders held a firm stance on his daughter’s transfer decision, describing it as “stupid” during an interview with DENVR Sports. He remarked, “You get a team before you enter the portal. That’s what I would advise a kid. I know, ‘Well, it’s illegal.’ C’mon, man. Everybody knows somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody.” It’s clear that he wants his children to take a smart, calculated approach to their careers—a mindset he’s carried throughout his own successful journey. “I’m a real father,” he further asserted. “Where I come from, historically, kids follow their parents. When did parents start following the kids? That doesn’t work in my book.” His strong guidance is understandable; he’s driven and wants his family to thrive based on his long-standing experience in the spotlight.
On the other hand, Shelomi’s mother, Pilar Sanders, voiced unwavering support for her daughter’s decision to move on from Colorado. In an April interview, Pilar stated, “Shelomi was never given a fair chance to really get recruited, okay? Because when recruitment started out of high school going into college, colleges and universities were starting to contact her, but the minute they did—” To which Shelomi piped in, “Everyone already thought I was going to JSU.” Pilar highlighted an injustice many will recognize: the weight of parental legacy often comes with both advantages and disadvantages. “People who are in sports have a certain level of respect because of the time that [Deion] did in the NFL and in baseball,” she explained. Those perceptions can sometimes overshadow the individual aspirations of young athletes.
Now donning the colors of Alabama A&M, Shelomi Sanders is grasping this new opportunity with both hands. While her father and brothers often draw headlines and attention, her recent standout performance allows her to carve her own identity and prove that she possesses unique skills that deserve recognition on the basketball court. This chapter in her life seems to be a turning point, one filled with promise and potential where she can finally showcase her hard work and passion. Whether you’re a parent trying to guide your child through their journey or an athlete striving to overcome obstacles, Shelomi’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery, reminding us all that it’s never too late to find your place in the world.
