Courtney Vandersloot has become synonymous with the Chicago Sky. Since entering the league in 2009, she has amassed 16 professional seasons and 14 years of service with the franchise, making her one of the most enduring figures in the team’s history.
The 2025 campaign brought a painful setback when Vandersloot suffered an ACL tear, forcing her to rehabilitate at home and reassess her approach to the game. The injury, while disruptive, sparked a period of introspection that she says has deepened her appreciation for the sport.
In the 2026 season, Vandersloot is averaging 9.3 points and 4.9 assists per game, sharing the point‑guard responsibilities with Natasha Cloud and Skylar Diggins. Diggins entered the injured list in July 2026, leaving Cloud and Vandersloot to alternate as the primary playmakers, a dynamic that has proven both challenging and rewarding.
A Shared Leadership Model
Natasha Cloud, a former Washington Mystics star, has publicly praised Vandersloot’s abilities, dubbing her “Slooty” and describing her as “a phenomenal point guard.” Their on‑court partnership reflects a mutual trust that transcends statistics, with each player stepping up when the other needs a breather.
The Sky’s current record of 15‑22 places them on the fringe of playoff contention. While the win‑loss tally suggests a distant postseason, the team’s chemistry and the leadership displayed by Vandersloot and Cloud suggest that a turnaround could be imminent if the necessary breaks fall into place.
Vandersloot’s journey with the Sky is marked by both triumph and transition. She was a key contributor to the 2014 WNBA Finals appearance and part of the championship‑winning squad in 2021, alongside stars such as Candace Parker, Kahleah Copper, and Allie Quigley. Since then, the roster has evolved, with departures of Sylvia Fowles, Elena Delle Donne, and others reshaping the team’s identity.
Looking ahead, Vandersloot’s long‑term vision centers on rebuilding a championship culture. She points to new facilities and resources as catalysts for a resurgence, hoping to restore the Sky to the upper echelon of the league where they belong.