The Chicago Sky reports that the team has fired head coach Teresa Weatherspoon less than a year after hiring her, leaving star rookie Angel Reese shaken to his core.
After news broke that Weatherspoon had been relieved of his duties, Reese expressed to X how “heartbroken” he was that the coach was no longer in the building.
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“I was literally speechless when I realized what this woman meant to me at such a pivotal time in my life. She was the only person who believed in me,” Weatherspoon said. spoke. Someone who trusted me. A lot of people don't know what it's like to be a black woman (sic) in sports when no one believes in you. It was a tough job. With all the crazy situations we've been through this year, and when your back was against the wall, you always believed. I came to Chicago because of you. You were an unsung hero in my life. ”
Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon reacts during the game against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
Reese went on to talk about the deep relationship she developed with Weatherspoon, even though they only starred together for one season.
“We built a relationship that will last forever in a short period of time. I'm never going to question God why He brings people into my life and takes them away from me when I need them.” “But I've always believed that everyone's life has a reason and a season,” Reese said. “You were the best reason and the best season. You didn't deserve this, but I can't thank you enough. I love you, Spoon.”
Reese quickly rose to stardom in the WNBA with the Sky, averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 total rebounds per game, but the Sky went 13-27 and missed the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon reacts during the second half of the WNBA game against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Chicago Sun-Times reported Weatherspoon's firing late Thursday night.
So, despite winning the WNBA title in 2021, the Sky are currently searching for their fourth head coach since then.
Weatherspoon was someone Sky players, including Rees, publicly praised during the season. However, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, a “difference of opinion” arose during his exit press conference and the team decided to go in a different direction.
Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon speaks with Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, 5, during the second half of a game against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
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Weatherspoon himself played in the WNBA from 1997 to 2004, playing all but one of his eight seasons with the New York Liberty. She won Defensive Player of the Year awards in back-to-back seasons to start her career while appearing in five consecutive All-Star Games from 1999 to 2003.
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