The Chicago Sky made the surprising decision to fire first year head coach Teresa Weatherspoon late Thursday evening, and their star rookie Angel Reese expressed shock and sadness over the team’s decision. Weatherspoon’s firing comes after the Chicago Sky struggled after the WNBA’s mid season Olympic break, going 3-13 after starting better than expected at 10-14. As the reports of Weatherspoon’s firing began leaking throughout the day Thursday, the Sky’s star forward confirmed the news in an emotional social media post, before the team officially announced the firing.
The franchise projected confidence throughout the season in their first year head coach Weatherspoon, who is a former WNBA All Star and two time Defensive Player of the Year. However, Weatherspoon shined brightest in developing Reese and fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso this year, and Reese’s statement on X shed light on the impact of her personal relationship with her coach saying, “I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life.”
I’m heartbroken. I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life. She was the only person that believed in me. The one that trusted me. Many don’t even know what it’s like to be a black women in sports when nobody believes in…
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) September 27, 2024
Ultimately, Reese’s untimely season ending injury on September 7th played a part in the Sky’s late season collapse and subsequent fall from playoff contention. Her absence on the court exposed the Sky’s immaturity and weaknesses and proved to be the nail in the coffin on Weatherspoon’s short tenure in Chicago.
Angel Reese will look to build on her promising rookie season and continue her dominance in the paint through rebounds and contested shots at the rim, as the Sky look for a new coach to help maximize their young talent in 2025.
The Sky will have a high draft pick despite the Wings holding the right to swap first-round picks as both teams will be in the draft lottery but, the Chicago Sky can’t land the first overall pick.
