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The Chicago Sky struggled on the way to a 13-27 finish last season, but fans have plenty to be excited about for 2025. Not only are Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso headed into their second WNBA campaigns, but the team also added Hailey Van Lith, Courtney Vandersloot, Ariel Atkins, and Kia Nurse.
Van Lith won third-team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year honors with TCU last season before the Sky drafted her No. 11 overall in April. Vandersloot is a five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion, while Atkins is a two-time All-Star and one-time champion. Finally, Nurse is a former All-Star as well.
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca sounded off about Vandersloot on Tuesday, via Chicago Mind of Sports.
New Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot signals during a playoff game last season.Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
"I'm incredibly grateful [for Vandersloot]. She took a chance on me in a new profession that I'm in right now," he explained. "She changed my life in a lot of ways when we came together...I've learned a ton from her. She met my competitiveness and compassion for the game head on."
Pagliocca was Vandersloot's trainer during her first stint in Chicago before becoming GM in 2023.
"Just having a player in here that's a future Hall of Famer, that players really look to, who's always gonna make the right decision, who's always gonna be passionate, and still be an understanding leader," he continued. "I've been really impressed with how vocal she's been, and that's gonna be the role she's gonna have to take on in here...But there's only one Courtney Vandersloot."
The 36-year-old was with the Sky from 2011-22 before spending the last two seasons with the New York Liberty. She helped the latter club win the WNBA Finals last year.
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Van Lith won third-team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year honors with TCU last season before the Sky drafted her No. 11 overall in April. Vandersloot is a five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time champion, while Atkins is a two-time All-Star and one-time champion. Finally, Nurse is a former All-Star as well.
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca sounded off about Vandersloot on Tuesday, via Chicago Mind of Sports.
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New Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot signals during a playoff game last season.Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
"I'm incredibly grateful [for Vandersloot]. She took a chance on me in a new profession that I'm in right now," he explained. "She changed my life in a lot of ways when we came together...I've learned a ton from her. She met my competitiveness and compassion for the game head on."
Pagliocca was Vandersloot's trainer during her first stint in Chicago before becoming GM in 2023.
"Just having a player in here that's a future Hall of Famer, that players really look to, who's always gonna make the right decision, who's always gonna be passionate, and still be an understanding leader," he continued. "I've been really impressed with how vocal she's been, and that's gonna be the role she's gonna have to take on in here...But there's only one Courtney Vandersloot."
The 36-year-old was with the Sky from 2011-22 before spending the last two seasons with the New York Liberty. She helped the latter club win the WNBA Finals last year.
Related: Hailey Van Lith’s NBA Boyfriend Sends Paige Bueckers Message
Related: Angel Reese Sends Three-Word Message After Unfortunate Injury News
Related: Angel Reese Sends Three-Word Message After Unfortunate Injury News
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