Angel Reese’s words are still echoing through Chicago, and Courtney Vandersloot made sure to answer back.
Reese, in a Chicago Tribune interview last week, said the Sky need a serious roster overhaul if they want to compete. She didn’t hold back on naming names either, suggesting Vandersloot’s best days were already behind her.
The veteran guard, out since June with a torn ACL, wasn’t having it.
“Contrary to what people say or think, my age is absolutely not a factor,” Vandersloot told Miller before Wednesday’s game with the Connecticut Sun. “I’m gonna come back better than ever…I’ve put myself in the position to come back and compete, even at this age.”
The response was classic Vandersloot—measured, but firm. She’s on a one-year, $185,000 deal according to Spotrac, and although she’s played only seven games this season, she expects to return at full speed.
For the Sky, the timing isn’t great. They’ve stumbled to a 10-31 record with only three games left, and head coach Tyler Marsh has already hinted at internal discipline for Reese. The second-year forward was even benched for the first half against the Las Vegas Aces last weekend.
“The language is taken out of context”: Angel Reese apologizes to teammates after her rant against the Sky
For what it’s worth, Angel Reese attempted to clarify her stance. Speaking to reporters last week, she acknowledged her frustration but said her intent wasn’t to tear down teammates.
“I probably am frustrated [with] myself right now,” she admitted. “I really didn’t intentionally mean to put down my teammates, because they’ve been through this with me throughout the whole year. They’ve busted their ass, just like I’ve busted my ass. … I just have to be better with my language.”
Reese emphasized that while her message about improving the roster stands, she needs to grow into her role as a leader.
For the Sky, the challenge now goes beyond the standings. Balancing Reese’s fiery expectations with Vandersloot’s veteran presence will be critical as they attempt to rebuild a fractured locker room heading into 2026.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
