Chicago Sky coach’s link to WNBA’s beginning

The excitement was palpable when the WNBA played its inaugural game at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on June 21, 1997. A crowd of 14,284 watched the New York Liberty take on the hometown Los Angeles Sparks. With the arena unable to accommodate demand, the upper deck had to be opened up. The game wasn’t particularly well-played, it was low-scoring, and the players were clearly jittery. But despite the rough start, the Liberty ended up winning the game 67-57. The league introduced stellar players such as Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and Teresa Weatherspoon, establishing that the WNBA had officially arrived. Fast forward twenty-six years, and Weatherspoon again experienced a first day, having been announced as the seventh head coach of the Chicago Sky. Post-playing career, she’s now back in the WNBA as an iconic figure in the sport. “I want everybody to know (that) in that journey, there were life lessons,” she said, hinting at the ups and downs that have shaped her. Teresa Weatherspoon’s basketball journey is filled with unforgettable moments, most notably “The Shot,” which made her one of the most iconic figures in WNBA history. The women have remained close through the ups and downs and ins and outs of their basketball careers. Their transition from players to coaches has solidified their status as icons of the game.

Reference

Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.