On Thursday night, Courtney Vandersloot established herself as the Chicago Sky’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing 3,728 career points in the franchise’s history. The milestone moment occurred during the team’s victory over the Dallas Wings, where Vandersloot also became the franchise leader in field goals made, totaling 1,390, overtaking records previously held by her wife, Allie Quigley.
A Personal and Historic Achievement
Vandersloot’s new scoring record marks a significant milestone for the Chicago Sky franchise and adds to her growing legacy. Her record-breaking points came in the third quarter of the game, though she admitted to losing track of her scoring total during play.
“I had lost track of how many points I had, so I was unaware until I heard the crowd,”
Vandersloot said.
“So, I was like, wait a second.”
Allie Quigley captured the moment on her phone, while their two-month-old daughter, Jana, was also present, adding a personal family element to the occasion. Vandersloot credited the team’s win as amplifying the importance of the milestone.
“I think it was a big moment, you know, big plays down the stretch to help us get the win,”
Vandersloot said.
“To get the record would not have been as exciting if we didn’t get the win. It’s basically, if anyone’s going to beat it, she’s glad it’s me. But we’ll be a one-two punch for a while.”
The Family Connection Behind the Records
The records Vandersloot surpassed were previously held by Quigley, who scored 3,273 points and made 1,386 field goals during her time with the Sky. With a playful spirit, Vandersloot acknowledged passing her wife’s mark.
“For me to pass my wife, kind of what I talked about was our commitment to this franchise. You know, she’s a scorer and deserves this record, but I think she’s going to let me hold on to it for a while,”
Vandersloot said with a smile.
Following the milestone, Vandersloot shared a lighthearted moment on social media, reposting a video of Quigley’s reaction with the caption:
“A little happy, a little mad,”
accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Vandersloot’s Journey and Lasting Impact
Drafted third overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2011 WNBA draft from Gonzaga University, Vandersloot has spent over a decade with the franchise, winning a WNBA title with Chicago and securing another championship last October with New York. Recently returned to Chicago, she reached this historic moment on Cancer Awareness Night, just months after losing her mother to cancer, adding emotional weight to her accomplishment.
Growing up in Montana, spending summers shooting hoops on makeshift courts, Vandersloot’s journey from small-town roots to WNBA stardom serves as an inspiration for many aspiring athletes. Her dedication and performance continue to motivate the next generation to pursue their basketball dreams, mirroring her own rise under Montana’s expansive sky.