Angel Reese Expresses Heartbreak Over Chicago Sky Coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s Firing
Rising basketball star Angel Reese has shared her deep emotional response to the firing of her Chicago Sky head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, after just one season. Weatherspoon, a Hall of Famer and former WNBA legend, was instrumental in shaping Reese’s early professional career, and the 22-year-old rookie took to social media to express her devastation and gratitude.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Reese conveyed her emotions, writing, “I’m heartbroken. 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 woman in sports when nobody believes in you.”
Reese’s words reflect not only her personal loss but also the depth of the bond she developed with Weatherspoon in a short period. According to the rookie, it was Weatherspoon’s unwavering belief in her that led Reese to sign with the Chicago Sky in the first place. “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,” Reese wrote, underscoring how much Weatherspoon’s mentorship meant to her.
Weatherspoon, 58, was appointed as head coach of the Chicago Sky in October 2023, making her the first Black woman to hold the role in franchise history. However, despite the challenges of a tumultuous season, she was let go on September 27, 2024. Reese acknowledged the difficult circumstances that her coach faced, saying, “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.”
Weatherspoon’s departure comes at a time when the Chicago Sky is looking for a new direction. In a statement to the Associated Press, Sky co-owner and operating chairman Nadia Rawlinson expressed appreciation for Weatherspoon’s contributions but stated that the team believed parting ways was in its best interest. “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,” Rawlinson said. She added that the team remains focused on building a championship-caliber roster and is actively searching for Weatherspoon’s replacement.
Weatherspoon’s coaching career includes breaking barriers in the NBA as well. Before joining the Sky, she served as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, where she became one of the few full-time female coaches in the league. Her influence on players has been praised across the board, and Reese made it clear that her legacy with the Sky will continue to resonate.
In closing her post, Reese expressed her deep gratitude, saying, “You didn’t deserve this but I can’t thank you enough. I love you Tspoon.” For Reese, Weatherspoon’s belief in her abilities and leadership left an indelible mark, and despite her coach’s departure, their bond remains strong.
As the Chicago Sky looks to the future, Reese and her teammates are left grappling with the sudden departure of a coach who inspired them during a challenging season.
