Sky Look to Build a Winning Identity After Rollercoaster 2024 Season
- David Moses II (@_iamdavidmoses)
- May 13
- 4 min read
The continued development of the young core, improved late-game execution, and more consistent offensive production against elite competition will all be critical if this team hopes to rise above the middle of the pack and return to playoff contention,
CHICAGO – At the Chicago Sky’s 2025 Media Day the energy inside the facility signaled the start of a new chapter. With first-year head coach Tyler Marsh at the helm, and a national buzz surrounding names like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, the Sky aren’t just trying to bounce back from a turbulent 2024 campaign, they’re building something entirely new.
“Establishing a mindset and an identity for who we want to be, both this year and in the long term is how we’ll gauge ourselves moving forward,” Marsh said when asked about what a successful first season looks like for this team. He emphasized the importance of building sustainable success and creating a foundation that benefits not only the current group, but future teams as well. Early feedback from players suggests that Marsh is already making his mark on the team culture and making his vision clear. Veteran guard Ariel Atkins praised his coaching style noting, “He’s honest, he’s upfront. I think the only word I can use to describe his communication is clear”. Moriah Jefferson also echoed this sentiment saying “He’s a man of few words, but the words that he does say make so much sense”. Marsh’s philosophy puts an emphasis on toughness on both sides of the ball, and fast paced play to keep opponents on their toes.
Coming off a historic rookie season, Angel Reese is once again in the spotlight, with expectations high for a sophomore leap. Reese led the league in rebounds per game with 13.1 and made history by recording 15 consecutive double-doubles. Yet when asked whether she feels now she’s receiving the respect and recognition she once demanded, referencing her viral quote from last season that “people are watching women’s basketball not just for one person but because of me too”, Reese cut the question short with a sharp “next question.” The moment, though brief, spoke volumes. Whether it signals frustration, focus, or a bigger chip on her shoulder, Reese appears committed to letting her game do the talking this year.
Kamilla Cardoso , meanwhile, found her rhythm as the 2024 season progressed, cementing herself as an elite playmaker in the paint and a defensive anchor against her opponents. “Being aggressive and playing off my front court teammates help a lot. That’s what we do, we play hard and dominate in the post. ” She said at Media Day highlighting the team’s desire to continue to build off a successful rookie season where she led all rookies with 46 blocks on the year.
While the spotlight shines brightly on Reese and Cardoso’s growth, the Sky didn’t stay stagnant in the offseason. In fact, they underwent a significant roster overhaul. Key contributors from last season including Chennedy Carter, Dana Evans, Isabelle Harrison, Diamond DeShields, Brianna Turner, Lindsey Allen, and Marina Mabrey all are out. In their place, Chicago brought in a veteran heavy group with Ariel Atkins, Rebecca Allen, Kia Nurse, and the headline addition Courtney Vandersloot, who makes her return to Chicago after a stint with the New York Liberty.
Vandersloot’s return to Chicago is more than just a roster move, it’s a homecoming that carries weight. A cornerstone of the Sky’s 2021 championship run, she brings not only elite playmaking abilities but also a championship mindset. Speaking about the tone she hopes to set with this new group, Vandersloot said, “ The biggest one is that we need everyone to win, it’s really hard to win in any league but in the WNBA especially, to do that you have to sacrifice. It’s going to look different every single night. We need every player to be at their best. So however that looks for each player individually on a night to night basis, some people have to be willing to put their egos aside and know that whatever it takes for the Chicago Sky to win that night, that’s our mentality. ”
After the departure of several key perimeter contributors, the five time all defensive player Ariel Atkins brings much needed grit and defensive maturity to the roster. Atkins appeared in all 40 games last season, averaging nearly 30 minutes per contest and contributing 15 points per game. Her presence adds another dependable scoring option while also putting pressure on opposing guards.
With a new coach and a retooled roster in place, the question now becomes, Was it enough? While the Sky’s offseason moves signaled a clear commitment to long-term growth and a winning culture, their success this season will ultimately depend on several key factors. The continued development of the young core, improved late-game execution, and more consistent offensive production against elite competition will all be critical if this team hopes to rise above the middle of the pack and return to playoff contention, after failing to reach the postseason last year for the first time since 2019.
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