Carbondale Reporter

Indiana Fever guard Sydney Colson addressed the Southern Illinois University women's basketball team on Thursday before their game against Belmont in Nashville. Colson, a two-time WNBA champion and 2011 NCAA Champion with Texas A&M, shared insights with the team.

Coach Kelly Bond-White commented on the session: "It was a morning of challenge as WNBA Champion Sydney Colson met with the Salukis in a hotel meeting space. The newly acquired Indiana Fever guard and 2011 NCAA Champion is in town playing in the inaugural season for Athletes Unlimited, that features many WNBA players that didn't go abroad to play in the offseason."

Colson discussed several key topics including roles, legacy, impact, and teamwork. She emphasized understanding one's role within a team and highlighted her own experience of being elected captain despite sitting behind a senior during her first year. She encouraged players to focus on what they can contribute to their team rather than wishing for different roles.

Colson also expressed concern about athletes today not having opportunities to create legacies due to the transactional nature of sports. She urged players to appreciate the positive impact a community and campus can have on them.

"Sydney admitted as a collegiate athlete and now as a pro she could get pretty colorful holding teammates accountable," Bond-White said. "If she's out there giving everything, she wants the next person to give as much."

Bond-White praised Colson's ability to connect with young athletes: "She's the face of the league for a reason. Her vulnerability with our young people was special."

The Salukis continue to engage fans through social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. They also offer updates via their mobile app available on both iOS and Android devices.