Aces’ Colson reaches rarefied heights with signature shoe deal

Seven active WNBA players have signature shoes. Four of them have won MVP honors, two others own all-time NCAA records. And then there’s Sydney Colson.

The Aces’ fourth player off the bench, who logged just four minutes Sunday in the Aces’ defeat at the New York Liberty in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals, is in a category of her own compared with notables in the women’s game. Teammate A’ja Wilson, scoring leader Diana Taurasi, rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and others also have signature shoes.

But Creative Control, which tabbed Colson as its first signature shoe athlete, believes the nine-year veteran’s authenticity, sense of humor and connection to community “transcend any stat sheet.”

“We feel like you can sell shoes. We feel like signature shoes shouldn’t just be about all-stars or MVP players,” Colson said on why Creative Control signed her. “They (Creative Control) feel like more players should have shoes.”

The funny, goofy and supportive personality she’s known for is incorporated into her shoe design. A black mesh fabric covers a mural design made up of peace signs, smiley faces, and hearts that embody Colson’s character.

Even the logo, which is made up of the letters of her nickname “Syd,” forms a smiley face. The physical design of the shoe is also unique, made more for use and less for style.

“It’s a really cool opportunity just to do this with the company, but it’s even cooler that there’s research behind why they are shaping the shoes like this,” Colson said.

Her personality is a huge part of her reputation in the WNBA, earning her a television show on Fubo alongside former WNBA forward Theresa Plaisance called the “Syd and TP Show,” where the pair attempted to become the new faces of the WNBA. While it may seem silly on the surface, Colson’s personality has a deeper connection to her faith and how she aspires to live life every day. She wants to enjoy life and take advantage of every moment.

There’s a sense of gratitude for being where she is today.

Colson was drafted by the Connecticut Sun in 2011 but was traded to the New York Liberty, with whom she played 16 games before eventually being waived. Colson was out of the league for two years, playing in Poland before returning in 2015.

She played for San Antonio, Chicago, and Minnesota before leaving the league in 2021 to join Athletes Unlimited, a development league that was in its inaugural season.

In 2022, she signed with the Aces as a free agent and has quickly become a fan favorite. Whether she is telling jokes to her teammates, appearing on the jumbotron at Michelob Ultra Arena with her puppet, Lil Syd, or giving the Aces a spark off the bench, the Aces’ fan base has embraced her.

“From them seeing my value in the locker room, and then me being able to gain trust on the court over time, it’s just been a great situation,” Colson said. “I’ve just been blessed to be here, honestly. I’ve tried to make the most of it and love these fans (the same way) they love us. God has me here for a reason.”

That approach to life hasn’t just affected Colson, but the people around her. While it may come off that Colson is annoying Wilson in videos posted online, it’s part of a “sister” relationship that the pair have.

While they goof around with each other, Colson’s constant support for Wilson has had a deeper impact. When Wilson found out she won MVP, she thanked all her teammates individually and had a tearful, heartfelt message for Colson.

“You molded me into the leader that I am from year one,” Wilson said. “I say a lot of times I try to be a voice for the voiceless, but you’re honestly a voice for me.

“Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m being heard, so thank you for being that.”

Colson responded, “Thank you. I love you.”

Colson said that people believed Wilson and she had such a strong relationship because of their horoscope, both being Leos, but Colson believes that her connection with Wilson has been strong since they first met.

“People see her (Wilson) being mean to me and messing with her, but this is just like a sister relationship,” Colson said. “It’s like an annoying sibling, cousin or friend.”

Colson has this fun relationship with all her teammates because she wants to connect with them outside of basketball. It all goes back to her values of enjoying the moment, because she doesn’t know what the future will hold.

“This is just the kind of environment that you want to enjoy while they’re here because it’s not guaranteed that we’ll all be teammates or with one another next season,” Colson said.

The Aces are looking to keep the memories of this season alive and get a chance to celebrate once more, facing a tall task against the New York Liberty. Game 2 of the best-of-5 series is 4:30 p.m. today on ESPN2.

Colson has had some of the most memorable moments of her career against the Liberty.

In Game 4 of the 2023 WNBA Finals, she made a bold behind-the-back pass to Alysha Clark that resulted in critical free throws late in the game. In the regular season in New York, she made a hook shot over a Liberty player that hyped up the bench.

“We all just like big moments on this team. It’s become a rivalry,” Colson said about playing the Liberty. “We’re aiming to be at our best and playing our hardest. … They’re a good team and I’m excited to see how we respond to how we played them in the past.”

Whenever the offseason rolls around, there will be two big shoe releases for the Aces between Colson and Wilson.

Colson said there would be more color waves of her shoe coming, including an Aces shoe, one inspired by her hometown of Houston, and another based on her favorite animated show, “The Boondocks.”

Wilson expressed her excitement for Colson’s shoes and threw a little bit of shade her way. But in the same tone of their “sisterlike relationship,” Wilson wants the best for her teammate.

“I can’t speak too much because I got my own shoe. It’s (Colson’s shoe) not as comfortable as mine, it’s not the same as mine,” Wilson jokingly said. “It’s a big deal, and I hope that people really go out there and support it because I know I will. She (Colson) deserves it all.”