The Chicago Sky has reportedly parted ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon less than a year after she was hired, a decision that has left star rookie Angel Reese deeply shaken. The news of Weatherspoon’s dismissal quickly spread, and Reese, who had built a strong connection with the coach during their brief time together, took to social media to express her heartbreak.
“I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me at such a pivotal point in my life,” Reese wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “She was the only person that believed in me. The one that trusted me. 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, and despite all the crazy circumstances we went through this year, when your back was against the wall, you always believed.”
Reese continued, highlighting how deeply Weatherspoon’s support impacted her, both on and off the court. “I came to Chicago because of YOU. You were an unsung hero in my life,” she said, emphasizing how vital Weatherspoon was in her transition to the WNBA.
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Reese, who rapidly rose to stardom in her rookie season, forming one of the league’s most promising young talents, explained how their relationship extended far beyond basketball. “We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever. I’ll never question why God brings people into my life and takes them away in the capacity I need them, but I’ve always believed everyone is in your life for a reason and a season,” she shared. “You were the best reason & season. You didn’t deserve this, but I can’t thank you enough. I love you, Tspoon.”
Despite her impressive on-court performance, where Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, the Sky struggled this season, finishing 13-27 and missing the playoffs for the first time in five years. The Chicago Sun-Times broke the news of Weatherspoon’s firing late Thursday night, marking another significant change for a franchise that won the WNBA title just two seasons ago. The Sky will now be searching for their fourth head coach since that championship run.
Reese’s emotional response wasn’t limited to the coaching decision. She also took to social media to reflect on the hateful treatment she and other WNBA players have endured from fans and the media in recent years. The candid comments underline the challenges that young, high-profile athletes like Reese face, not just on the court but also in navigating the public’s scrutiny.
Weatherspoon, who was a WNBA legend during her playing career, had earned the respect and admiration of the Sky’s roster throughout the season, including Reese, who publicly praised her leadership. However, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, there was a “disconnect” during exit interviews that ultimately led the team to move in a different direction.
Weatherspoon’s legacy in the WNBA is well-established. She starred in the league from 1997 to 2004, spending nearly her entire eight-year career with the New York Liberty.
A defensive stalwart, Weatherspoon won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards to begin her career and was selected to five consecutive All-Star Games from 1999 to 2003.
Her time as a player cemented her as one of the league’s greats, and her influence as a coach was evident in how deeply she connected with players like Reese.
As the Sky begins its search for a new head coach, the ripple effects of Weatherspoon’s firing are being felt by the entire organization, especially by the young star she inspired.
