Courtney Vandersloot, a celebrated figure in women’s basketball and a key player for the Chicago Sky, recently returned to her roots after winning a championship with the New York Liberty last season. Despite the allure of continued success in Brooklyn, Vandersloot chose to come back to Chicago, where she spent 12 formative years and became a franchise legend.
Expressing her desire to be in her comfort zone, Vandersloot said, “I wanted to be somewhere that I had a lot of support and somewhere I felt really good on the floor and off.” She was determined to take on the role of a starting point guard and mentor younger players, while also enjoying the support of family, especially after welcoming her baby girl, Jana, with her wife, former Sky player Allie Quigley.
Vandersloot quickly made an impact, surpassing Quigley to become the franchise’s all-time leading scorer on May 29 and averaging 12 points and a team-high 6.2 assists in the early part of the season. She was ready to start in the Sky’s first WNBA game at the United Center against the Indiana Fever, a significant milestone that underscored her contributions to the team.
However, tragedy struck as Vandersloot suffered a torn ACL just minutes into the game, collapsing after a drive to the basket. The injury has sidelined her for the remainder of the season, marking a devastating blow to a Sky team already struggling with a 2-5 start and hoping to make a playoff return.
Sky coach Tyler Marsh emphasized Vandersloot’s invaluable role, stating, “She’s our engine, she’s our captain and our leader out there.” As she begins her recovery, there are concerns about when, or if, the 36-year-old will return to the court. Hopefully, this moment is not the last we see of her in a WNBA jersey, as her legacy has left a lasting impression on the sport.
In a positive light, Vandersloot’s decision to return to Chicago and her early success with the team symbolize her dedication to mentorship and the next generation of players, which can inspire many on and off the court.