From tie-dye snuggies to thunderous blocks, Olivia Nelson-Ododa has always done things a little differently. She’s 6-foot-5 with a wingspan that swallows up shots and a personality that lights up gyms. Whether it’s crashing the boards at the Big Apple or cracking jokes in the locker room, Liv blends intensity with heart. But behind the scenes, her family has been the quiet engine driving her journey.
So, who are the parents who raised this rising WNBA star? Let’s take a closer look.
Who Are Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s Parents?
Let’s just say Olivia Nelson-Ododa didn’t stumble into basketball greatness — she was made for it.
Her dad, Sebastian Ododa, isn’t just any basketball dad. He’s a 6-foot-7½ former pro who repped Kenya on the national team and balled out at Huntington University. Long before Olivia was throwing down blocks at UConn, Sebastian was in the driveway showing her how to move like a big, think like a vet, and own the paint.
But this isn’t a one-parent show. Her mom, Heather Nelson-Ododa, brings the off-court balance. A licensed therapist, Heather has been the calm in the storm — the emotional glue behind Olivia’s laser focus. “She just began a hyper-focus on the work that it was gonna take to get to that level of playing,” Heather once said, remembering the moment her daughter’s grind mode kicked in.
And Olivia? She’s never forgotten the sacrifices. Back in 2017, she told USA Today:
“My parents. They’ve sacrificed so much time, effort and money to help me be the best player that I can be. I find that really inspiring. I feel like I owe it to them to give it everything I’ve got every time I step on the floor.”
Olivia Nelson Ododa plays for Connecticut Sun in the WNBA in the US. His father, Sebastian Ododa is a former Kenyan International @OliviaKNelson#StarsAbroad pic.twitter.com/WfQR3dkcJs
— Passion Sports (@PassionSportsEA) December 25, 2023
And here’s the kicker — Olivia’s not the only baller in the fam. Her older brother, Alonzo, played college hoops at Richmond and Pitt, went pro overseas, and is engaged to WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby. Her younger brother, Isaiah, is holding it down at Tennessee Tech.
Basketball in the Nelson-Ododa household? It’s not just a game — it’s the family business.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s Relationship with Her Parents
The bond between Olivia and her parents runs deep, but it’s not all about basketball. It’s about work ethic, balance, and quiet resilience. Whenever she’s back home in Georgia, she still hits the gym with her dad. And her brother Alonzo? Always ready to offer tips from his own experience.
Jun 1, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison (21) drives past Connecticut Sun forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa (10) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
“He’s there to help me in the gym whenever I go home,” Olivia said in an interview. “He’s been through the whole college experience. So, just to hear from him and know what it’s like, it really helps.”
Her mom, meanwhile, was key in helping Olivia manage the mental and emotional side of high-level sports. From school to pressure moments in big games, Heather helped her stay grounded and focused.
And Olivia’s appreciation for that support shows up in moments — like when she returned to Atlanta during her college years and said,
“I’m super appreciative that they were able to do this for me… But at the end of the day, it’s a business trip so we’re going there and we have to handle this.”
That quote? It says everything. Grateful, but laser-focused. That’s Olivia.
Over the years, friends, coaches, and teammates have also seen what makes her different. Coach Kim Garren once said, about her
“She can accomplish whatever she wants… Olivia is just such a special kid who wants things and she’s willing to do the work to get there.”
Whether it’s Heather’s calm guidance, Sebastian’s tough-love coaching, or the everyday family values that built her — Olivia’s not just a product of talent. She’s a product of belief, patience, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes support.
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