The Chicago Sky shocked the WNBA world by announcing that they had fired new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after less than a year with the team, stating that they want to be “a playoff and championship contender every year.”

Although the Sky had their worst record since the team’s first season in the WNBA, this was still a rebuilding year full of rookies and injuries to the starting lineup.

Several fans and WNBA personalities have reacted negatively to this event, including star rookie power forward Angel Reese.

On September 26, 2024, Reese took to social media to announce how much “Tspoon” meant to her.

“I’m heartbroken,” Reese said. “I am literally at a loss for words knowing what this woman meant to me at such a pivotal point in my life. She was the only person who believed in me. The one who trusted me.”

“A lot of people don’t even know what it’s like to be a black woman in sports when no one believes in you. You had a hard job. All the crazy circumstances we’ve been through this year and when you always had your back against the wall.

“I came to Chicago because of YOU. You were an unsung hero in my life. In a short period of time, we built a relationship that will last forever. I will never question God why he brings people into my life and takes them away from me in the capacity that I need them, but I have always believed that everyone comes for a reason and a certain time in their life is.

“You were the best reason and the best season. You don’t deserve this, but I can’t thank you enough. I love you, Tspoon.”

Reese had a fantastic debut under Weatherspoon’s leadership after being selected with the seventh pick in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft.

In her rookie season, Reese averaged 13.6 points, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.5 blocks in 34 games.

Reese set the WNBA record for most rebounds per game in a season (13.1). Overall, she recorded 446 rebounds in just 34 games, just five rebounds shy of the record set by WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, who had 451 rebounds in 38 games.

Reese also recorded 15 consecutive double-doubles, the most of any player in WNBA history.

Reese was named the season’s WNBA rebounding leader and was also a WNBA All-Star, where she recorded the first double-double in WNBA All-Star Game history.

There’s no telling what the future holds for the Sky, but with strong, passionate players like Reese, they will hopefully be able to make the playoffs that Chicago officials so desperately desire.

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