CHICAGO — The Chicago Sky’s 2025 campaign has taken a sharp downturn, opening the season with a 2–7 record and falling to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Under new head coach Tyler Marsh, the Sky have struggled to find consistency on both ends of the court, and a string of injuries has only compounded the team’s early-season woes.
Coaching Transition Off to a Rocky Start
Marsh, who replaced WNBA legend Teresa Weatherspoon in the offseason, stepped into a franchise in transition — one trying to rebuild its identity following the departure of key veterans and leadership figures. Yet, nearly a third into the season, the Sky have yet to establish a cohesive rhythm. They currently rank near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, turnover margin, and field goal percentage, often collapsing late in games despite stretches of promising play.
The offensive game plan has shown glimpses of potential, especially in fast-break situations and second-chance opportunities, but lack of execution in half-court sets has repeatedly cost the Sky close contests. On the defensive end, communication breakdowns and inconsistent rotations have left them vulnerable, especially in transition defense. Still, Marsh remains focused on building a culture rooted in incremental progress and long-term development.
“I think it’s about establishing identity,” Marsh told Swish Appeal Nation. “It’s really all of our first year together, so it’s a clean slate. Establishing a culture, a mindset, and an identity of who we want to be — not just for this year but for the future — that’s how we’ll gauge our growth.”
Photo Cred: Athlon Sports
His philosophy is centered not just on winning games but on helping players grow into their roles and trust the process — a mindset that may take time but could pay dividends in future seasons.
Vandersloot’s Injury Rocks the Roster
The Sky suffered a major blow on June 7 when franchise cornerstone Courtney Vandersloot tore her ACL in a game against the Indiana Fever. It was a devastating moment — not just in terms of gameplay, but emotionally. Vandersloot, who returned to Chicago this season after two years with the New York Liberty, holds multiple franchise records and is widely considered one of the most cerebral point guards in WNBA history. Her leadership, playmaking, and veteran presence were expected to anchor the young squad.
In her absence, rookie Hailey Van Lith has been thrust into the spotlight as the new floor general. The No. 11 overall pick has displayed confidence and flashes of brilliance, but the challenge of adjusting to the speed and physicality of the WNBA — while also carrying the responsibility of running an offense — is immense.
“She’s learning on the fly,” Marsh said about Van Lith. “But she’s tough. She’s coachable. And she’s not backing down.”
The Sky will need Van Lith’s development to accelerate quickly if they hope to remain competitive, especially as they navigate a grueling stretch of the schedule.
Angel Reese Stands Tall Amid Struggles
Through the turbulence, second-year forward Angel Reese continues to be the Sky’s emotional and statistical anchor. Known for her relentless motor and commanding presence in the paint, Reese currently leads the WNBA in rebounds per game (11.8) and recently became the fastest player in league history to reach 30 career double-doubles — a remarkable feat for a player still early in her professional journey.
However, Reese’s offensive efficiency has dipped compared to her standout rookie season, with her shooting percentage hovering in the low- to mid-30s over the past several games. Critics have pointed to her shooting mechanics and shot selection as areas for growth, but Reese hasn’t shied away from the spotlight.
“I put my all into this s—,” she said during a viral postgame interview, responding candidly to scrutiny following another double-double performance in a losing effort.
Photo Cred: The Playoffs
Teammate Ariel Atkins, one of the team’s veteran voices, came to her defense, telling People magazine: “She’s a 23-year-old Black woman navigating professional pressure with heart and resilience. That deserves support, not judgment.”
Reese’s fire and transparency have only deepened her connection with fans, many of whom see her as the face of the franchise’s future — both on and off the court.
Next Up: A Crucial Test
The Sky faced the Atlanta Dream on June 13 in a game that offered a pivotal opportunity to stop the bleeding and potentially spark a turnaround. With Vandersloot sidelined and Van Lith learning in real time, much of the burden fell on Reese and the frontcourt to carry the team, while Marsh looked to galvanize a squad still trying to find its footing.
The Dream, meanwhile, came into the matchup with momentum and a well-balanced attack, testing the Sky’s endurance and cohesion.
Whether the Sky can reverse course remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the coming weeks will be critical in defining not just their record, but their character. Marsh’s leadership, Van Lith’s growth, and Reese’s resilience will all be central to determining how far this team can go — or how much further they must fall before the climb begins.
