Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot suffered a torn ACL during an early June game against the Indiana Fever, immediately ending her season. This non-contact knee injury not only removed the team’s veteran floor general from play but also created a significant challenge for the Sky’s plans moving forward.
With Vandersloot sidelined, the Chicago Sky must adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge, putting increased pressure on younger players to fill the leadership void.
Rookie Hailey Van Lith Steps Up Amid Sudden Role Expansion
The injury to Vandersloot accelerated rookie Hailey Van Lith’s transition into a more prominent role for the Sky. Originally expected to be eased gradually into professional play, Van Lith now faces the dual challenge of managing her own anxiety while leading the team through an uncertain season.
Van Lith explained the mental strength required to embrace this sudden opportunity:
The best thing I can do is be excited for it,
she said.
I think the most that I can battle and keep away the fear of the moment, and being scared of it, I think is gonna help me play free and play loose, and do what I do,
Van Lith added during an interview with the Chicago State of Mind Sports YouTube channel on June 10.
Her rapid adjustment reflects not only athletic skill but also a growing maturity cultivated through previous leadership experiences at multiple colleges and under varying coaching styles.
Coaching Staff Responds to Injury by Recalibrating Team Dynamics
Head coach Tyler Marsh acknowledged the difficulty presented by Vandersloot’s injury but also highlighted how it strengthened the team’s resolve. Marsh noted that Van Lith’s development would be fast-tracked to meet the demands of the starting point guard role, with contributions expected from veterans Ariel Atkins and Rachel Banham to share ball-handling responsibilities.
Chicago Sky Head Coach Tyler Marsh says Courtney Vandersloot’s injury is a tough situation but has galvanized the locker room. Marsh says Hailey Van Lith’s development will be fast tracked, but Ariel Atkins & Rachel Banham will also handle the ball at times. #Chicagosky #WNBA
—Kylen Mills, Sports Reporter
Marsh expressed confidence in Van Lith’s resilience, noting her ability to maintain composure despite errors:
She doesn’t lose confidence, that’s the biggest thing,
he said.
She can make a mistake, and you bring her to the sideline to talk about it, and she’s already recognized it.
Van Lith’s Leadership and Increased Playing Time Showcase Readiness
Van Lith’s previous experience leading teams in challenging circumstances has prepared her for this unexpected role. She shared her mindset:
I stepped up and led teams in uncomfortable situations, so… this is what I specialize in. Let’s see if I can do it at the next level,
Van Lith said.
It’s really gonna be a challenge, it’s gonna be really, really hard, and I know that. But as long as I keep a positive attitude about it, I feel good about how I’ll be able to carry myself.
Her playing time has noticeably increased, with 42 minutes logged across the past two games compared to just 37 minutes over the first four games. In the latest contest against the New York Liberty, Coach Marsh started Rachel Banham at point guard for 27 minutes, while Van Lith saw 16 minutes on the court. Marsh explained that Banham’s familiarity with the offense currently gives her an edge, though Van Lith’s progress remains promising.
Despite dealing with an early-season ankle issue and adjusting to the demands of professional basketball following a rigorous collegiate career at TCU and an NCAA Tournament run, Van Lith’s readiness to perform has become essential for the Sky’s rotation, whether as a starter or coming off the bench.
Impact of Vandersloot’s Injury on Chicago Sky’s Season Outlook
Courtney Vandersloot’s ACL injury has forced a reshuffling of roles and strategy within the Chicago Sky, accelerating Hailey Van Lith’s emergence as a team leader. As the rookie faces heightened pressure, her ability to confront fear and take on responsibility may prove crucial for the Sky’s pursuit of success this season.
The team’s adjustment period under Coach Marsh’s guidance, alongside veterans like Atkins and Banham stepping up to share duties, will determine how effectively the Sky replace Vandersloot’s influence on and off the court. The coming weeks will test both individual resilience and collective cohesion as Chicago navigates an injury-related turning point.