When the Indiana Fever roster was thinning, Odyssey Sims stepped up. With a career spanning over a decade, Odyssey Sims is a shining example of consistency. One of the most reliable guards in the W, her career averages of 11.1 points, 3.8 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game highlight her all-around impact. She entered the league in 2014 and has been on the rise since then. Accolades like All-Rookie Team, 2019 All-Star, and All-WNBA Second Team honors just fell at her feet. The road, however, was not without twists.

Sims experienced eight switches across four different active teams before finding her place with the Indiana Fever in 2025. As for her personal life, she was raised by a single parent and faced numerous financial problems and challenges growing up. But Sims had a determination that everything would be fine one day. Through it all, one thing never wavered: her family’s support. Let’s take a look at the people backing Sims in her decade-long basketball journey.

Who are Odyssey Sims’ parents?

Odyssey Sims was born on July 13, 1992, to Nathaniel Sims and Pamela Thompson in Irving, Texas. After she was born, her parents got separated. Her mother, Pamela, played the biggest role in raising Odyssey. She had an interest in basketball from a very early age, and she continued focusing on her dreams with the help of her mother’s support.

At MacArthur High School in Irving, her love for basketball turned into something much more. By the time she graduated in 2010, Sims had already become a local legend. She was ranked the number one point guard in the country, named the WBCA/State Farm National High School Player of the Year, and even had her jersey retired, a rare honor that captured how special she was. Throughout all this time, her family, especially her mother, provided her emotional support. But it was Sims’ siblings who fueled her competitive spirit.

Who are Odyssey Sims’ siblings?

The drive to be better than she was previously is driven by none other than her two older brothers, Oscar Thompson and Onaye Sims. Both her older brothers were college basketball athletes. Oscar Thompson played at Weatherford College and Prairie View A&M University, posting 11.6 PPG in his career for the latter. While Onaye Sims played at Seminole State College and not much information is available for his college career.

Odyssey took after her brothers and averaged 17.5 PPG during her collegiate season from 2011-2014, earning a spot on the All-Big 12 first team all four years. While the list of accolades is long for Sims, behind every milestone was her mother’s quiet presence. And now Odyssey knows that feeling herself, being a mother to a son.

Odyssey Sims’ son

Odyssey Sims entered the WNBA in 2014 and made an impact right away. Honors came quickly, but with time and perspective, she admits she could have handled things differently. “You can say I took things for granted. When I got into the league, I was just immature. I was a little s—. There was a lot I had to figure out,” she said. During those struggles, Sims leaned on her faith to find direction.

Everything changed in April 2020 when she became a mother to her son, Jaiden. The arrival of her child reshaped her outlook on basketball and life. “I thank God for growth. And I say that from a standpoint of I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t grow… I am thankful for the growth. I know how to handle myself as a pro athlete and as a mom, and being a role model for my child and the young athletes that are looking up to me,” she reflected.

But it has not been all smooth sailing, jumping from being a mother to a professional WNBA player. In her 2024 Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame induction speech, Sims mentioned she was even considering not coming back to the WNBA following the birth of Jaiden. She was late to the 2020 WNBA season because of her son’s birth and, following that, joined the Minnesota Lynx’s bubble after going through quarantine.

As a single mother, Sims has openly shared the challenges of balancing her career with raising her son. She often brings Jaiden to practices and games, making him a part of her daily routine. “I’m used to bringing my son with me all the time,” Sims said during her time in Los Angeles. “He loves coming to the gym. He has his moments where he’s like, ‘Mom, I’m ready to go.’ I’m like, ‘Son, it’s 10 o’clock, we haven’t even started.'” Still, she admits there are moments of guilt whenever her 5-year-old is not by her side during games. And through it all, she has the support of her family.

How does Odyssey Sims’ family support her career?

Motherhood didn’t just alter her routine; it transformed her purpose. With the support of her family, Sims has been able to balance travel, training, and parenting, even through the ups and downs of team changes. Her family provides the foundation that allows her to continue her WNBA career while ensuring her son receives consistent care. As a single parent, Sims depends on her family, especially during the playing season.

Her mother, Pamela Thompson, who guided her basketball journey from childhood, remains a source of stability today. Sims draws strength and motivation from motherhood, crediting her son’s love and inspiration for making her career meaningful and her personal growth possible. “I’m a mom now. I have someone else to live for,” Sims said back in 2020. “He’s brought a lot of joy, more than I’ve ever had.” While navigating parenthood alone is daunting, her family is alongside her every step of the way.

Relationship with her family 

As a single parent, Sims relies on family to provide care for her son, particularly during her playing season. She maintains a close relationship with her mother, Pamela Thompson, who has supported her career, and her two older brothers, Oscar and Onaye. She is a devoted mother to her son, Jaiden, who serves as her primary source of motivation and inspiration.

Sims often speaks about the positive influence her son has on her growth and is frequently seen with him at team events, emphasizing the strong bond they share. While on the court, she is a fearless player for her teammates. But off court, she fully commits to the task of spending time with her family. Sims finds strength and motivation in her role as a mother, stating that the love and inspiration from her son make her career worthwhile and help her grow as a person.

The WNBA itself has also played a role in supporting Sims and other mothers in the league. Players receive their full salaries while on maternity leave, and teams provide two-bedroom housing for those living with children under 13. Nursing mothers are also guaranteed comfortable, safe, and private accommodations on the road. For Odyssey Sims, these measures help her navigate the demands of a professional career while keeping family at the center of her life.