Angel Reese, a standout rookie for the Chicago Sky, recently expressed her deep emotions following the firing of head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon, who played in the WNBA from 1997 to 2004 and had been an assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Sky, was let go after the team’s disappointing 13-27 finish in the 2024 season. This marked a drop from their 18 wins in 2023, despite Reese setting a WNBA single-season rebounding record in her debut year.
Reese, drafted seventh overall, had been excited to join a team that fit her playing style, with Weatherspoon making her a central figure in the Sky’s game plan. Fans speculated that Reese might leave the team following the coach’s dismissal, but in a recent interview, she dispelled those rumors. Reflecting on her future with the Sky, Reese made a confident statement about her goals, saying she came to Chicago to become a WNBA champion and hoped to earn an MVP award by the end of her career.
Reese came close to rivaling A’ja Wilson, who won the 2024 MVP award unanimously, missing out on the top rebounding record by just five rebounds, largely due to a season-ending wrist injury. Reese also broke Candace Parker’s record for consecutive double-doubles, achieving 15 in a row, which made her a strong contender for Rookie of the Year (ROTY). However, the award ultimately went to Caitlin Clark. Despite missing out on ROTY, Reese showcased an exceptional rookie season, averaging 13.1 rebounds per game and demonstrating fearlessness on the court. Much of her success, she noted, was due to Weatherspoon’s trust in her.
Weatherspoon had been hired in October 2023, tasked with rebuilding the team, which had seen two head coaches replaced in two years. She experimented with different strategies, including building the team around Reese and making Chennedy Carter the main offensive scorer. However, many felt that the constant changes negatively impacted the team’s performance. Injuries, player trades, and health issues also contributed to the team’s struggles, including trading veteran Marina Mabrey and dealing with a series of injuries that hurt their playoff chances.
Reese was heartbroken by Weatherspoon’s departure and took to social media to express her gratitude. She shared a heartfelt message, thanking the coach for believing in her and helping her through a pivotal time in her career. Reese acknowledged the challenges of being a Black woman in sports and praised Weatherspoon for standing by her through difficult circumstances.
Although Weatherspoon’s firing was a tough moment for Reese, she remains optimistic about her future with the Sky. She hopes that under a new coach, she will continue to shine and eventually achieve her goals of winning a championship and possibly an MVP award.
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