Angel Reese, the WNBA star, has been expressing her affection for former Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon on social media during Game 2 of a WNBA Playoffs series. For Reese, Weatherspoon is more than just a coach; she’s a mentor and a cherished figure in her life.
Weatherspoon made a surprise appearance on the jumbotron during the New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces playoff game, earning a heartfelt applause from the audience.
The retired WNBA point guard is a legendary figure in Liberty history, having spent her first seven years with the organisation during her playing career from 1997 to 2003.
During her tenure, the former point guard earned five All-Star appearances and became a crowd favourite, renowned for her leadership on the court. She averaged 5.7 points per game and 5.9 assists during her time in New York, leaving a legacy as one of the best floor generals in team history.
Reese reacted to her ex-coach’s tribute on social media by retweeting the video with a sad face emoji followed by a heart. This emotional display came just days after the Sky rookie and WNBA All-Star expressed her heartbreak following the team’s official decision last Sunday.
“I’m heartbroken. I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life,” Reese wrote. “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,” she continued. “All the crazy circumstances that we went 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. We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever.”
Sky supporters were left scratching their heads at the team’s decision to let go of their first-year head coach despite a rough season culminating in a 13-27 tally and a playoff miss. Fans didn’t hold back their frustration online, with one expressing, “This was a huge mistake,” and another saying, “The Chicago Sky front office is turning me away from being a fan. This is not even about TSpoon. This whole season and previous seasons, we have seen the poor decisions made by the front office.”
Throughout the season, the Sky grappled with adversity, notably with key players out on injuries. Their bright new talent Chennedy Carter spent precious game time on the bench while recovering from COVID-19 complications, and Reese’s inaugural season came to a halt due to wrist surgery.
Prior to the season, the Sky said goodbye to WNBA All-Star and Olympian Kahleah Copper in a trade and during the season parted ways with experienced playmaker Marina Mabrey, leaving the team in perpetual flux. Reese inked a four-year rookie contract with the club which includes a team option for 2027, setting her up as a restricted free agent come 2028.
