The Chicago Sky has fired Teresa Weatherspoon after less than a year as head coach. The franchise has made the decision after missing out on the WNBA Playoffs.
The Sky got off to a hot start but unraveled after the Paris Olympics break. Despite rookie Angel Reese, the No.7 overall pick, having a historic first season in the league, the Sky ended bottom of the Eastern Conference and 10th out of 12 teams in the league with a 13-27 record.
Weatherspoon, a five-time WNBA All-Star as a player, has now paid the price and been dismissed from her role, according to the Chicago Sun Times. Her exit comes just hours after star player Reese publicly praised Weatherspoon for her role in her record-breaking rookie season.
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Speaking on her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel”, featuring Sheryl Swoopes, Reese said: “I don’t think I would’ve been this successful without T-Spoon. All my hard days, I can call her… She’s been there for me through everything.”
And moments after the news was announced, Reese took to social media with an emotional statement declaring she was “heartbroken” to hear Weatherspoon had left the franchise.
“I’m heartbroken,” Reese wrote. “I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life.
“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 women in sports when nobody believes in you.
“You had a tough job. All the crazy circumstances that we went through this year & when your back was against the wall, you always believed. I came to Chicago because of YOU.
Head coach Teresa Weatherspoon has full faith in Angel Reese to fight through challenges as a rookie. (
Getty Images)
“You were an unsung hero in my life. We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever. I’ll never question God why he brings people in my life and takes them away from me in the capacity that I need them but i’ve always believed everyone is in your life for a reason and a season. You were the best reason & season. You didn’t deserve this but I can’t thank you enough. I love you Tspoon.”
Reese also made it clear she did not envision a coaching change when discussing Weatherspoon earlier this week. While she shared some constructive criticism regarding what transpired later in the season, she was already envisioning how next year might look under Weatherspoon.
“I told coach Spoon, I said, ‘You were too nice this year,'” Reese said, Chicago State of Mind Sports. “[Next year] I know she’s going to be, not meaner, but I think she’s going to be more stern on things.”
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