WNBA Star Olivia Nelson-Ododa Calls for Unity & Gun Reform After Tragic School Shooting in Hometown

Written By: Jackie Rae

Once upon a time, in 2016, traffic accidents were the leading cause of death for school-age children in the United States. Firearm-related deaths were second. Since then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published data showing that gun-related deaths among school-age children spiked by 13.5%, making it the leading cause of death for children between one and 1 and 19 years old.

The numbers don't lie. The lack of gun control in the United States has become dire for school-aged children. With political leaders seeming unwilling to pass laws that can protect children, it seems the best most people can do is be thankful if they have not been impacted by senseless gun violence. Connecticut Sun Forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa no longer has that luxury.

Nelson-Ododa grew up in Winder, Georgia—a small community roughly 50 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, with a population of just 18,414. Located in Barrow County, Winder only has two high schools, Winder-Barrow High School and Apalachee High School. While Nelson-Ododa went to Winder, her cousin was just eight miles down the road at Apalachee. In a small community, it is no wonder Nelson-Ododa and her family are still very close friends with Apalachee's principal.

On September 4, 2024,  a 14-year-old boy opened fire inside Apalachee High School, killing four people while injuring nine others. Hearing about the shooting, Nelson-Ododa contacted her former Winder coach, telling CT Insider she was helpless as her coach cried out in fear while barricading herself in the dark in a classroom.

While Nelson-Ododa is embracing success, the impact of gun violence has caused her to experience waves of sadness. "It's heartbreaking. My cousin was there and saw things she shouldn't have seen at that age," Nelson-Ododa said. "It's gut-wrenching, especially when it happens to people you love."

Nelson-Ododa voiced her frustration with politicians who continue to support access to assault rifles, even in the wake of such tragedies. "I don't think anyone is trying to take away guns, but assault weapons shouldn't be available to civilians, especially not to 14-year-olds," she said.

Despite her strong views, Nelson-Ododa has faced the common criticism that athletes should refrain from speaking on political matters. "We're people at the end of the day," she said. "It doesn't make sense to shut down someone's voice just because they're an athlete. That's the opposite of what this country is supposed to stand for."

To cope with the emotional impact of the shooting, Nelson-Ododa has leaned on her family and friends for support. "The sadness comes in waves. When I'm on the court, I'm happiest, but it hits me at other times. I just try to navigate those feelings," she shared.

Nelson-Ododa is not just battling waves of sadness. She is fighting to prevent school shootings from being a common occurrence in our society. She delivered strong criticism of Georgia's gun laws, particularly targeting the state's "permitless carry" policy, which allows individuals to conceal carry firearms without a permit. She used her Instagram platform, with over 100,000 followers, to advocate for "policy and change.

Thankfully, Nelson-Ododa has found a political ally. She met with Connecticut Democratic Governor Ned Lamont, who believes that having a WNBA player speak out is vital to changing gun laws. In an Interview for News8, Lamont told Nelson Ododa, "I love that you're speaking out–your fellow players speaking out. You're a role model to a lot of these young people. The Democratic Governor believes that when public figures speak out, people will listen. "You know, in politics, sometimes they can blur us out. I think your words break through," he said.

Passing reasonable gun bans is possible. Connecticut passed major gun reforms-including an assault weapons ban and restrictions on magazine capacity, in the months following the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. 

However, the likelihood of such policies being passed in Republican-controlled Georgia and across the nation is dimmed by a deeply polarized political climate and a Congress that has consistently rejected significant gun control measures. In contrast, Connecticut enacted major gun reforms—including an assault weapons ban and magazine capacity restrictions—just months after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown.

"Our politics have become more divisive and partisan, so I don't see that happening again today," said John McKinney, the former Republican Minority Leader of the Connecticut State Senate, who helped craft and pass the post-Sandy Hook gun control laws.

Nelson-Ododa, however, is personally invested and will not give up the fight. She believes one reason politicians are not quick to act is that they can't relate to losing a loved one or the trauma that comes with living through a tragic experience. "You will never think it happens to your community until it does," she said.

"When it actually happens to you, and you're actually affected by it, I feel like, that's when people want change for things," Nelson-Odada continued.  Still, she hopes political leaders will unify and do what is best for young people in America – before they are directly impacted by doing nothing. 

Doing nothing is not in the works for Olivia Nelson-Ododa. In addition to speaking out about gun violence, she recently joined the "Power of Z Project." A social media campaign to encourage Gen Z to vote. 

While Olivia Nelson-Ododa's future looks bright on and off the court, she vows to make the world a brighter and safer place for everyone.