Chicago Sky introduce Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon as new coach

CHICAGO (CBS) — Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon was formally introduced as the new head coach for the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. The addition of Weatherspoon means that 6 out of the 12 teams in the league are now led by former WNBA players.

At 57, Weatherspoon displayed the same fiery spirit as she did during her time in the WNBA. Her impressive playing career included being a five-time All-Star and a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Joining the Sky marks Weatherspoon’s first coaching opportunity in the WNBA. She is taking the reins of a team that endured a losing season, finishing with an 18-22 record and an early exit from the playoffs – the team’s worst performance since 2018.

“I love challenges, period. I’m all about a challenge. It’s just about creating that culture that’s necessary and creating that winning environment, and that’s not really a challenge, it’s just what’s necessary, what’s needed to be put out there,” said Weatherspoon. “And becoming a tremendous part of the community, reaching out, being a part of any initiative possible, because I want everyone to know our players, our coaching staff, for more than just basketball, but as people; that we’re caring people, and anything that you’re doing, we want to be a part of, because we’re asking you to be a part of what we do.”

Weatherspoon expressed her desire to become a WNBA coach, stemming from her time as a point guard and feeling like a coach on the court.

Her coaching career began in 2007 with the Westchester Phantoms in the American Basketball Association. She then transitioned to coaching at Louisiana Tech, leading them to consecutive NCAA Tournament bids and other achievements.

Prior to her role with the Sky, Weatherspoon served as a two-way player development coach for the New Orleans Pelicans and was later promoted to a full-time assistant coach, before departing from the staff in June.

As the new head coach of the Chicago Sky, Weatherspoon will also have a say in the hiring of a general manager and player personnel decisions. The final roster decisions are contingent on the choice of the new general manager.