Angel Reese, the rising star of the WNBA, has expressed her shock and heartbreak following the Chicago Sky’s decision to fire head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. The 22-year-old forward opened up about her emotions on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, describing the situation as one that left her “lost for words.” Reese, who played under Weatherspoon for one season, has struggled to come to terms with the decision, especially since she feels that Weatherspoon was the only person in the organization who truly “understood her.”
The Chicago Sky made the difficult decision to let go of Weatherspoon after a challenging season that saw the team finish with a 13-27 record. Despite a strong fight for playoff contention in 2024, Reese’s injury on September 7 ultimately derailed their postseason aspirations. While the team’s overall performance was disappointing, Reese’s personal achievements stood out. In her debut season, she made an impressive mark, setting a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles and averaging 13.6 points per game.
Reese’s bond with Weatherspoon was more than just professional—she felt that the coach had a deep understanding of her as both a player and a person. This connection made the decision to part ways with Weatherspoon even more difficult for Reese, who has openly voiced her frustration with the firing. On her podcast, she admitted to being deeply affected by the news, emphasizing how much the coach’s support had meant to her during a pivotal year in her career.
The firing of Weatherspoon has stirred emotions within the WNBA community, with many questioning the team’s decision, especially considering Reese’s growth under her guidance. While the Sky’s performance may have faltered, Reese’s personal success in her rookie season shows promise for the future, and many fans are hopeful that the young star will continue to excel despite the coaching changes.
As Reese processes the loss of a coach she admired and felt connected to, the Chicago Sky face a future without one of their most trusted leaders. Reese, however, remains focused on her own growth and the challenges ahead, determined to make the most of the opportunities that come her way, even as she reflects on the coach she lost.