“Only person that believed in me”- ‘Heartbroken’ Angel Reese vents in emotional message after Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s firing

The Chicago Sky have dismissed coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one season, prompting rookie Angel Reese to share an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her gratitude for the coach’s belief in her.

During Weatherspoon's tenure, the Sky posted a 13-27 record in the 2024 WNBA season. Although they were in playoff contention, they ended the season on a five-game losing streak, losing the final playoff spot to the Atlanta Dream.

Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the firing on Thursday, and in response to the news, Angel Reese expressed that Weatherspoon's trust had been pivotal to her career.

“I’m heartbroken,” Reese said. “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.”

Despite the Sky’s roller-coaster season, which ended in their first playoff miss since 2018, Reese commended Weatherspoon for having faith even when the odds were against them.

“Many don’t even know what it’s like to be a Black woman in sports when nobody believes in you," Reese wrote. "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.”

She referred to Weatherspoon as an “unsung hero” and reflected on the coach’s lasting influence on her life.

“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 shared. “You didn’t deserve this but I can’t thank you enough. I love you Tspoon.”

Looking at Angel Reese’s injury and other factors that led to Teresa Weatherspoon’s firing

Angel Reese led the WNBA in total rebounds per game (13.1) and offensive rebounds per game (5.1), but a wrist injury cut her season short, which contributed to the Sky's struggles late in the season.

With Angel Reese on the floor, the Sky were 10 percentage points better in rebounding percentage compared to when she was off the court. The Sky finished second to last in offensive rating, (97.0) and had the third-worst net rating at minus-6.5.

They were the league’s worst at ball movement, ranking last in assist percentage at 63.9%. This lack of offensive rhythm also left them at the bottom in true shooting percentage, with just 49.5%.

Weatherspoon made adjustments following the Olympic break, but injuries to key players, including Reese and Chennedy Carter, hindered the team's progress.

In her exit interview, Weatherspoon reflected on the season, acknowledging the personal growth she experienced through the challenges.

“You learn a major lesson about yourself,” Weatherspoon said (per Marquee Sports Network). “You learn how strong you really can be through adverse moments. You learn how you can become comfortable in uncomfortable moments, and you have growth in it as well.”

The Sky will be searching for a new head coach in the offseason while also strategizing how to use their two first-round picks in the 2025 WNBA Draft.