Shyanne Sellers backed down her opponent in the second quarter of Maryland’s 85-77 victory against Michigan on Feb. 17. The guard flipped a pass to Saylor Poffenbarger on the wing, who drained a 3-pointer.
The assist normally wouldn’t warrant a celebration. It was a simple dime, one she’s made countless times. But that particular pass marked a milestone.
Sellers became the first player in Maryland women’s basketball history to score 1,500 points, collect 500 rebounds and dish 500 assists.
The senior’s growth is apparent through four seasons. She’s taken on multiple different roles and thrived in each. Despite times of change in her career, Sellers’ success is constant.
“She’s always been selfless that way, just wanting to help in any way,” coach Brenda Frese said.
The Aurora, Ohio native was one of the best bench players in the Big Ten as a freshman. She made an impact even behind guards Ashley Owusu and Katie Benzan. Averaging just under eight points that season, Sellers earned the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year honor.
But the transition from high school to college can be tough. Benzan said the support of her teammates was huge in easing the move during her freshman season at Harvard. She wanted to be the same reliable option for Sellers.
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The then-graduate student met Sellers on move-in day before the season began. The pair continued to spend most of their free time around each other — grabbing food at Chipotle and Blaze Pizza, playing cards by the pool and getting extra shots up.
Those “little things” kept the two close.
“I think having that built-in support system already ready for you to help you succeed, both as a person in the classroom and on the basketball floor, it’s honestly world changing,” Benzan said. “When it was Shy’s turn, I tried to lend and be that support system for her.”
Sellers appeared next to Diamond Miller the following season after Benzan graduated and Owusu, Angel Reese and Mimi Collins left the program. She raised her scoring average to 13.9 points during her sophomore year.
But after Miller graduated and was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2023 WNBA draft, there was a void left for Sellers to fill.
Sellers became the Terps’ primary point guard her junior year after playing two seasons alongside the faces of the offense.
“It’s not what I’m most comfortable with. It’s not what I prefer, but I’m doing what I got to do, what’s best for my team,” Brinae Alexander, who played with Sellers for two seasons, recalled Sellers thinking.
Sellers excelled in her new role, again securing career-bests in points, rebounds and assists. She also grew into a leader, a trait she picked up from those she stood alongside in the past. Prominent faces such as Benzan, Miller and Chloe Bibby molded Sellers into a vocal voice on the floor. Even with more experienced players sharing the court with her in her third year, such as graduate students Alexander and Jakia Brown-Turner, Sellers was someone the team turned to for support.
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Sellers approached her new responsibility by acting no different than before, according to Alexander, who said Sellers’ personality is to “tell you how it is.” That honesty transpired on the court.
“You need that,” Alexander said. “It’s good to see that she is confident and she’s comfortable enough with her teammates and in her environment to be herself and to be outspoken.”
This season, Sellers has taken a step back from the point guard duties with graduate transfer Sarah Te-Biasu joining the team. She returned to playing more as a shooting guard, similar to her first two seasons at Maryland, but continues to be an undeniable leader in her final year.
The playmaking ability is still there for Sellers. She’s averaged 14.1 points a game and more than four assists an outing. Her maturity and growth in confidence have shone through her play.
“I think freshman Shy has just come a long way,” Sellers said. “I’m super proud of myself for everything I’ve been through.”
Sellers is slated to begin her fourth NCAA tournament next week with 1,626 career points, the 13th best mark in program history. The guard has taken up positions all over the floor, and has been crucial for the team’s success.
Sellers will be remembered as one of the best players to don a Maryland uniform over its 54-year history. But the joy she finds when stepping onto the floor is what she wants to be known for.
“I love smiling on the court. I love making basketball fun,” Sellers said. “I want to be remembered for how much fun I look like I’m having on the court.”
