The Chicago Sky has decided to part ways with coach Teresa Weatherspoon after one season.
“After careful consideration, we have decided it is in the best interest of the organization to part ways with Head Coach Teresa Weatherspoon,” Chicago Sky Co-Owner and Operating Chairman Nadia Rawlinson said. “We are deeply appreciative of Coach TSpoon’s contributions to the Chicago Sky, and the energy and passion she brought to the head coaching role. We thank her for inspiring a competitive, resilient spirit across the team, synonymous with Chicago Sky basketball.
Sky ended the regular season on a five game losing streak.
“We remain steadfastly committed to being a playoff and championship contender every year, and we will be embarking on a thorough search for our next head coach,” Rawlinson added.
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Weatherspoon was appointed on October 12 and guided the Sky to a record of 13 wins and 27 losses. The team maintained a playoff position for a significant portion of the second half of the season, despite facing challenges with a record of 3 wins and 13 losses following the Olympic break. Ultimately, the loss of Reese due to a wrist injury on September 7 proved to be a significant hurdle to overcome.
“TSpoon will always be a part of the Skytown family, and we wish her the very best,” Rawlinson added.
The Chicago Sky secured their sole WNBA championship in 2021; however, the team has since seen the departure of several key players from that title-winning roster, including Candace Parker, Kahleah Copper, and Courtney Vandersloot. James Wade, who served as both head coach and general manager since 2019, resigned after 16 games last season to accept an assistant coaching position with the Toronto Raptors. Emre Vatansever took over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
In October, Weatherspoon and Jeff Pagliocca were appointed as head coach and general manager, respectively, thus assuming the roles formerly held by Wade.
Weatherspoon becomes the second WNBA coach to be dismissed following the conclusion of the regular season, joining Curt Miller, who was announced as the Los Angeles Sparks’ outgoing coach on Tuesday after two seasons in that position.
Photo/ChicagoSky/X
