Shelomi Sanders, the daughter of Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders, made waves last season in Boulder before transferring to the Alabama A&M Bulldogs women’s basketball program. Her journey reflects the dynamic landscape of college athletics, where players are constantly seeking opportunities to shine. Notably, her former teammate, Aaronette Vonleh, also transitioned from Colorado, opting to join Baylor after entering the transfer portal.
### Celebrating Milestones
Recently, Aaronette Vonleh achieved a significant career milestone, scoring her 1,000th career point during Baylor’s impressive 65-42 victory over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders. In this standout performance, Vonleh contributed nine points, two rebounds, one steal, and two blocks, showcasing her skills on the court. Following the game, Shelomi took to Instagram to celebrate Vonleh’s achievement, sharing her excitement with a heartfelt message.
> “Aaronookieeee,” she wrote, demonstrating the camaraderie that exists among former teammates.
### Shelomi’s Current Struggles
While Shelomi Sanders has made the transition to Alabama A&M, her journey has not been without challenges. Despite being a part of the team, she has struggled to find her footing on the court. In the Bulldogs’ recent matchup against the UAB Blazers, which ended in a narrow 74-67 loss, Shelomi only played for one minute and missed both of her shot attempts. This season, she has yet to score, reflecting the tough competition she faces as she seeks to carve out her niche in a new program.
### Vonleh’s Impressive Stats
Before her move to Baylor, Vonleh had a successful stint at Colorado, where she averaged 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists during her final season. Her performance at Colorado was a testament to her hard work and dedication, and now at Baylor, she is averaging 13.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.3 assists this season. These statistics highlight her continued growth as a player and her ability to contribute significantly to her new team.
### Coach Prime’s Supportive Role
In the midst of these transitions, Deion Sanders, affectionately known as Coach Prime, has remained a pillar of support for his daughter. Although he may not have fully agreed with Shelomi’s decision to leave Colorado, his love and encouragement have never wavered. A recent FaceTime exchange between the two showcased their close bond and added a touch of humor to their relationship.
> “Ok I was face-timing my Babygirl ‘Bossy’ @shelomisanders before her game yesterday and I said Baby let me Pray for u & she closed her eyes and I said ‘BABY YOU DRIVING AIN’TCha?’ Lololol,” he shared, recalling the moment with laughter. “She opened her eyes and bust out laughing. This was certainly a moment we both will never forget.”
### The Journey of College Athletes
The stories of Shelomi Sanders and Aaronette Vonleh highlight the ever-evolving nature of college athletics. Players frequently navigate transfers, seeking the best opportunities to showcase their talents and achieve their goals. For many, this journey is filled with ups and downs, as seen in Shelomi’s current struggles to find playing time and impact at Alabama A&M.
### The Importance of Support Systems
Support systems play a crucial role in the lives of college athletes. Whether it’s family, friends, or former teammates, having a strong network can make all the difference during challenging times. Shelomi’s celebration of Vonleh’s milestone is a perfect example of how these connections remain vital, even as players move on to different programs.
### Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, both Shelomi Sanders and Aaronette Vonleh will continue to navigate their respective paths in college basketball. For Vonleh, the focus will be on building on her recent success and further establishing herself as a key player for Baylor. Meanwhile, Shelomi will be working hard to find her rhythm at Alabama A&M and contribute to her team’s success.
In the world of college sports, every player’s journey is unique, filled with personal challenges and triumphs. The stories of Shelomi and Vonleh remind us of the resilience and determination that define college athletes. As fans, we can only hope to see them both thrive in their respective programs, making their mark on the court and beyond.
