Weatherspoon’s dismissal sparks emotional response from Chicago Sky star.
Angel Reese, the dynamic player who had chosen to come to Chicago in large part because of Weatherspoon, took to social media to express her heartbreak. In an emotional post, Reese reflected on the impact the coach had on her career, emphasizing the personal connection they built in such a short time. “I’m heartbroken,”Reese wrote. “She was the only person that believed in me at such a pivotal moment in my life.”
“She’s out, but it has nothing to do with stat padding BS that you tell yourself. it’s not because of me, or it’s not because of me solely. We’re playing as a team so anyone has the same responsibility”.
Angel Reese Opens Up About the Impact of Weatherspoon’s Leadership Amid Departure(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)LAPRESSE
It was a turbulent season for the Chicago Sky, filled with highs and lows as they fought to stay competitive in the WNBA. From navigating a challenging post-Olympic stretch to dealing with key injuries, the team found itself in constant battle. Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon was at the helm, navigating the Sky through the storm. But on Thursday night, that chapter abruptly closed.
ESPN first broke the news: the Chicago Sky had parted ways with Weatherspoon after just one season. The decision came less than a year after the team brought her in with hopes of building a stronger, more competitive squad. Weatherspoon’s hiring on October 12 of last year was seen as a bold move, one that was supposed to usher in a new era for the franchise. Unfortunately, a 13-27 record and a cascade of challenges led the Sky to reconsider their future.
Despite her short tenure, Weatherspoon was credited with keeping Chicago within playoff contention for most of the season. It wasn’t until a late-season collapse, where the Sky posted a 3-13 record post-Olympics, that things truly began to unravel. The final blow? Star forward Angel Reese’s wrist injury in early September, which left the team without one of its most essential pieces. While the decision to fire Weatherspoon shocked fans, some speculated it was inevitable given the team’s struggles.
Angel Reese honors Teresa Weatherspoon’s legacy: “I came to Chicago because of YOU”
Reese didn’t mince words about the significance of Weatherspoon’s role, especially as a Black woman in a leadership position. “Many don’t even know what it’s like to be a Black woman in sports when nobody believes in you. You had a tough job. All the crazy circumstances that we went through this year & when your back was against the wall, you always believed,” she added.
The forward’s emotional message also highlighted the sense of loss she feels not just for her coach but for the deep connection they shared. Reese’s tribute continued, “I came to Chicago because of YOU. We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever.”
In the face of uncertainty, Reese’s final words served as both a farewell and a testament to the respect she holds for Weatherspoon: “You didn’t deserve this but I can’t thank you enough. I love you, Tspoon.”
As the Sky now face the task of finding a new head coach, the ripple effects of this decision will undoubtedly impact not only the team but also the players who felt closely tied to Weatherspoon’s leadership.
