BROOKLYN — In the Chicago Sky’s final visit of the season to Barclays Center to face the New York Liberty, point guard Courtney Vandersloot was honored with the championship ring she earned during her time with the Liberty. The ceremony took place before the teams tipped off in their third meeting of the season.
Vandersloot, 36, who spent the last two seasons playing for New York after a high-profile trade in 2023, celebrated winning her first postseason title with the Liberty, marking a significant milestone in her career. This moment was especially meaningful as it recognized her critical role in the Liberty’s historic championship run.
The Journey to the Liberty’s First Postseason Title
Vandersloot joined the New York Liberty alongside fellow stars Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart during the 2023 season, forming a formidable trio. Together with All-Stars Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, the team clinched the franchise’s first-ever postseason championship by defeating the Minnesota Lynx in six games. Vandersloot’s leadership and experience were key components of that success.
However, in 2024, Vandersloot chose to return to Chicago, where she began her WNBA career and played for 13 seasons before her transfer to New York. Although she has appeared in only seven games this season due to an ACL injury suffered in June, Vandersloot reached a new milestone by becoming the Sky’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing her wife Allie Quigley.
Reflecting on Her Time in New York
Before Thursday’s game, Vandersloot shared her thoughts on her tenure with the Liberty during the team’s shootaround. She acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding her role late in the season when she was moved from the starting lineup prior to the playoffs. Despite this, she remained a crucial depth player during the Liberty’s championship run.
I knew that it was my time to kind of put my money where my mouth was. It was my time to sacrifice and that’s the direction they went,
Vandersloot said of accepting a reduced role.
As hard as that was for me, because I didn’t necessarily agree with it, I still felt like I was bought in, and that was what we preached from the moment I got here, with sacrifice and all of that. So it was just my time to do that.
—Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky point guard
I’m grateful for the [New York] experience. I still get a ring. Of course, I wish things ended a little bit different, or I wish my role was different. But, you know, that’s just, that’s basketball, and that’s part of it.
—Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky point guard
The Significance of Vandersloot’s Championship Ring
The Liberty’s decision to honor Vandersloot with her championship ring during the game in Brooklyn highlights her valuable contributions to the franchise’s success. Although the 2024 season has had personal setbacks for Vandersloot, the recognition solidifies her legacy as both a key player in New York and the Chicago Sky’s all-time leading scorer. Her experience and sacrifice played a pivotal role in the team securing the historic title.
As the WNBA season progresses, Vandersloot’s story remains one of resilience and teamwork, demonstrating how individual dedication supports collective glory. Fans and analysts alike will continue to watch her impact on and off the court as she recovers from injury and builds on her remarkable career.