The Chicago Sky has reportedly fired head coach Teresa Weatherspoon less than a year after hiring her, leaving star rookie Angel Reese feeling heartbroken. Reese expressed her deep appreciation for Weatherspoon, who she felt was the only person to believe in her and trust her in a pivotal point in her life. Despite only working with Weatherspoon for a short amount of time, Reese developed a strong relationship with her that she believes will last forever. Weatherspoon’s dismissal came as a shock to many, especially considering Reese’s quick rise to stardom in the WNBA while playing for the Sky.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported Weatherspoon’s dismissal late Thursday night, leaving the Sky searching for its fourth head coach since winning a WNBA title in 2021. While players like Reese had publicly praised Weatherspoon during the season, there was reportedly a “disconnect” during exit interviews that led to the decision to go in a different direction. Weatherspoon’s accomplishments as a WNBA player, including winning Defensive Player of the Year twice and making five consecutive All-Star Games, made her a respected figure in the basketball community.
Weatherspoon’s impact on Reese and the Sky team was evident in the outpouring of support and appreciation for her after news of her firing broke. Reese credited Weatherspoon with helping her navigate the challenges of being a Black woman in sports and expressed gratitude for the belief and trust she received from her coach. Weatherspoon’s influence on Reese’s career trajectory was significant, as she averaged over 13 points and 13 rebounds per game during her debut season in the WNBA.
Despite the disappointment of missing the playoffs for the first time in five years, the Sky’s decision to part ways with Weatherspoon reflects the competitive nature of professional sports. The sudden change in leadership for the team, combined with Reese’s continued development as a star player, adds uncertainty to the future of the franchise. Weatherspoon’s tenure as head coach may have been short-lived, but her impact on the players she worked with, like Reese, is lasting.
As Weatherspoon moves on from the Sky, her legacy as a pioneering figure in women’s basketball continues to inspire future generations of players and coaches. Her experience as a WNBA star and respected coach will likely shape her next career moves and impact the lives of those she mentored during her time with the Sky. The outpouring of support and appreciation for Weatherspoon from players like Reese serves as a testament to the profound influence she had on those around her, both on and off the court.
