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The Chicago Sky had an up-and-down campaign during the 2024 WNBA season. Chicago's roster and coaching staff have dramatically changed since 2023, highlighted by the arrival of star rookie Angel Reese and new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. However, just days after Chicago's end to the 2024 season, the organization made a shocking move on Weatherspoon.
The Sky have parted ways with Weatherspoon, according to multiple league sources, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
In her first season as Chicago Sky head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon achieved a 13-27 record. Despite the Sky's challenges, she vocalized constructive messages to the team and did her best to manage a constantly changing lineup.
Nevertheless, the Sky endured several cold streaks throughout the season. Between June 8 and June 16, the Sky lost four straight games. They later went on a seven-game losing streak between Aug. 18 and Sep. 3. They ended their 2024 run with a 2-8 record in their last 10 games.
Still, when the Sky had their low moments, Weatherspoon repeatedly emphasized the team's resilient mindset.
“We don't have a towel to throw in. We come in and go to work. See what we need to do [to improve] and battle through. We're not the only team that's ever gone through anything. It's a matter of battling through and getting yourself back on track,” Weatherspoon claimed after a practice before the Sky snapped their four-game losing streak against the Dallas Wings in June.
Weatherspoon encouraged the Sky to play hard, even amid seemingly endless injury woes, and it showed. During Chicago's late-August slump, they went toe-to-toe with the talented veteran Connecticut Sun and Las Vegas Aces squads. The Sky lost by just two points in the 82-80 Aug. 23 Aces defeat, and the same difference occurred in the 77-75 loss to the Sun on Aug. 25.
Sky decide to go in different direction with shock coaching change
Teresa Weatherspoon brought a wealth of experience to the Sky as a former WNBA player, college coach, and developmental NBA coach. Chicago looks to pivot to new leadership amid Weatherspoon's shocking departure.
The next leader the Sky select will be crucial, as the team is still forming its identity after its overhaul in 2023. Only three players, Elizabeth Williams, Dana Evans, and Marina Mabrey returned to the Sky from the previous year's squad.
Now serviced by a new wave of standout contributors, including Chennedy Carter and rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago must find a way to maintain a strong culture with its next head coach.
