Despite beginning the WNBA season with an 0-4 record, the Chicago Sky remain optimistic about their trajectory, largely due to Courtney Vandersloot’s leadership and All-Star longevity. Vandersloot, a seasoned veteran and five-time All-Star, recently returned to the Sky after a championship-winning season with the New York Liberty. The team views her presence as instrumental in navigating the difficulties of a young roster facing growing pains.
Sky coach Tyler Marsh emphasized the invaluable role Vandersloot plays in steadying the team.
“Courtney’s leadership is something that you can’t put a price on,”
Marsh said.
“It’s something that we lean on to manage these ebbs and flows of the season.”
Her influence extends beyond the court, providing motivation and guidance during a difficult start.
Vandersloot’s Return to Chicago and Role with the Team
After spending her first twelve seasons with the Chicago Sky, Vandersloot’s decision to come back was about more than basketball. She joined the Sky as a free agent following a reduced role with the New York Liberty, seeking a larger responsibility and a familiar environment. According to Marsh, Vandersloot’s experience has quickly become an extension of the coaching staff.
“It’s full of experience, wisdom and knowledge for our young players. But it’s good to have the steadiness that she provides,”
he remarked.
Her return has coincided with the development of young talents like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, who carry high expectations as they contribute heavily to the team’s efforts. Vandersloot’s insight and steady hand help balance the highs and lows these younger players face as they adjust to the intensity of professional basketball.
Inside Vandersloot’s Perspective: Leadership and Team Dynamics
In an exclusive interview, Vandersloot reflected on rejoining the Sky and managing the challenges that come with early setbacks. She described the experience of returning to Chicago as both familiar and rewarding, especially with the personal additions to her family and strong local ties.
“Obviously, it’s been a lot. But I’m really happy to be back where it all started. We have a new addition to the family. I’m back where all my in-laws are. Being back is very familiar. It’s very family-oriented. It’s been a good place,”
Vandersloot said.
Though the season’s start has been difficult, Vandersloot remains focused on maintaining a positive outlook.
“Highs and lows. Of course, the season hasn’t started as well as we wanted to, so there are some emotions there. But then I get to come home to such a blessing. We’re staying positive and things are good,”
she added.
Her emotional attachment to Chicago was especially evident when facing the New York Liberty in a reunion game. Vandersloot expressed appreciation for the relationships she built during her time with the Liberty.
“It’s all about the relationships that I built there. I’m very big on that. When you go through life, it’s all about the relationships that you build along the way. My time there was very special. I built a lot of great relationships with a lot of great people. I got to play against some of the best players in the world. I got to play for a franchise that is one of the best. It was a warm feeling for me to see everybody again and just be embraced by all of them,”
she said.
Mentorship and Development of Young Stars Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso
Vandersloot acknowledges the intense expectations placed on young players like Reese and Cardoso, who have been thrust into significant roles early in their careers. Unlike many rookies who learn from veteran teammates gradually, these players have faced immediate pressure to perform at a high level. She recognizes their dedication and potential, while also preparing them to navigate the inherent ups and downs of professional basketball.
“I think that they obviously want to be great. Both of them want to be great in this league. It’s not easy. It takes people a lot of time. They have kind of gotten thrown into it very early in their career. A lot of young rookies get the chance to play behind some vets that they can learn from. But right from the beginning, they’ve been put in a starting role and we expect a lot from them. That’s not easy to do in this league,”
Vandersloot said.
She added that part of the team’s responsibility is to keep their confidence high and help them handle the lows:
“So there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs for them. But that’s part of our job. That’s keeping them high and knowing that’s going to come and not let the lows get too low.”
Regarding their future development, Vandersloot is optimistic about their unique talents and long-term impact.
“I think you can see glimpses how great they can be in this league. They each have a skillset that they can dominate that not everybody can. Angel is skilled and has an all-around game that she really hasn’t tapped into. She can be a distributor, a scorer and obviously a rebounder. Kamilla can dominate the paint. Not a lot of people can. We got to be able to find ways to let her do that. But I think with time and when she figures out her niche down there, she’s going to be really tough to guard.”
Handling External Pressure and Maintaining Confidence
Vandersloot is especially mindful of the scrutiny Angel Reese faces, including a recent incident involving fans in Indiana. She highlighted the unique pressure Reese endures and her role in supporting the young star.
“I think the biggest thing with Angel is that I don’t think a lot of people can relate– I definitely can’t — to the weight she carries on the day-to-day and the pressure that she deals with from the outside noise and the expectations with herself and how good and great she wants to be. So for me, I just want her to know that I always have her back. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I’m always going to ride for her and let her know, ‘We need you. We need you to be great. But we also don’t want to put too much on you. You should be enjoying this because you get to play basketball for a living,’”
Vandersloot shared.
Secrets Behind Vandersloot’s Longevity and Consistent Performance
Reflecting on her extended success and ability to maintain an All-Star level, Vandersloot attributes much of it to discipline and care for her body, along with a bit of good fortune.
“(laughs). I would say it’s a little bit of luck. Obviously, I’ve been really blessed with injuries and lack thereof. But a lot of it has been sacrificing, commitment and putting everything that I have into this. I spent a lot of time on my body and the work that I put in to make sure that I’m at my best. It’s a full day of things. If it’s not recovery, then I’m prepping my body. I wake up in the morning and the first thing that I’m doing is getting ready for either a game or a practice. Then I spend my evenings between feedings trying to recover and get my body right.”
Coach Marsh has praised Vandersloot for being the “best version” of herself with the Sky, noting her leadership and ability to control the game. Vandersloot agrees this role reflects her strengths.
“I think he sees my ability to lead a team and have the ball in my hands. I think that’s when I’m at my best. So just having a role where I can lead a younger group and continue to playmake for everyone. I think that is something that interests feel. I still feel like I have a lot to give to this game and I have a lot left in me. So that part was intriguing to me. I love the trust that he has in me.”
Vandersloot’s Views on Offseason Competitions and Future Prospects
Vandersloot also reflected on her involvement with “Unrivaled,” an offseason competition that gathered top players for high-level bouts outside the WNBA season. She praised its value in providing competition and visibility.
“I think for a first season, it was an incredible thing for all of us, especially me. Just having that access to play against some of the best players in the league in an offseason. That was everything you needed in one spot. I loved that part of it. Obviously, it was a success. People enjoyed it. Everybody I hear enjoyed watching it and enjoyed seeing us compete. I’m looking forward toward seeing where the league goes. And I’m definitely planning on being a part of it.”
Outlook for the Chicago Sky and Vandersloot’s Leadership Moving Forward
The Chicago Sky’s early challenges have tested the team’s resilience, especially given the blend of veteran presence and youthful promise. Vandersloot’s leadership, combined with the raw talent of Reese and Cardoso, creates a foundation for growth and improved performance as the season advances. With her experience guiding the locker room and influencing the play on the court, the Sky aim to overcome their slow start and return to playoff contention.
Courtney Vandersloot’s role exemplifies how veteran leadership can anchor a team during times of transition, while elevating the performance and confidence of younger players. Her commitment to the team and game reflects an athlete still motivated to lead, compete, and shape the next chapter of her career and that of the Chicago Sky.