After a season high of points in a game, The Sun’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa is our athlete of the week.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa is our athlete of the week after she delivered one of her most encouraging performances of the 2026 WNBA season this week, providing a bright spot for the struggling Connecticut Sun. Although Connecticut continues to battle through a difficult campaign, Nelson-Ododa’s recent performances have highlighted her value as a reliable interior presence and an increasingly important contributor on both ends of the floor.
The standout moment of her week came in Connecticut’s 89-80 loss to the New York Liberty on June 8. With several key players unavailable, Nelson-Ododa stepped into a larger role and responded with a season-high 15 points while adding a team-leading eight rebounds. She was remarkably efficient, converting all six of her field-goal attempts and providing a consistent scoring option whenever the Sun needed a basket. Her ability to finish around the rim helped keep Connecticut competitive against one of the league’s stronger teams.
Beyond the statistics, Nelson-Ododa’s impact was evident in the energy she brought to the game. Alongside teammate Aaliyah Edwards, she helped fuel a second-half push that briefly threatened New York’s lead. The pair combined for 30 points and accounted for nearly half of Connecticut’s second-half scoring output.
What makes Nelson-Ododa’s performance particularly noteworthy is her efficiency. Rather than relying on high shot volume, she maximized her opportunities through smart positioning, strong rebounding and effective finishing in the paint. As injuries and roster changes continue to affect Connecticut, her ability to provide dependable minutes and productive play has become increasingly important.
While the Sun remain near the bottom of the standings, Nelson-Ododa’s strong week showed why she remains a key piece of the franchise. If she can maintain this level of efficiency and rebounding, she could continue emerging as one of Connecticut’s most consistent performers over the remainder of the 2026 season.