As the Chicago Sky navigate a season filled with transition, scrutiny, and emerging storylines, one narrative continues to dominate the headlines: the rapid rise and responsibility of rookie forward Angel Reese. Thrust into a leadership role early in her professional career, Reese has become both the face of the franchise and a focal point for the team’s future. Now, Sky assistant coach Tyler Marsh is speaking out—offering insight into Reese’s growth, the challenges she’s facing, and what it all means for the culture and direction of the team.
“Angel has taken on more than just a basketball role,” Marsh said during a recent media availability. “She’s taken on the weight of expectations—from the outside world, from the city, and from herself. And the way she’s handling it? It’s impressive. She’s still learning, but she’s learning fast.”
Reese, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and one of the most talked-about college players in recent memory, entered the league with a combination of celebrity status, raw talent, and relentless energy. In her first few weeks with the Sky, she has delivered on much of that promise. She’s already established herself as one of the top rebounders in the league, is averaging double figures in scoring, and has injected a much-needed physical and emotional spark into a rebuilding Chicago squad.
But with the spotlight comes scrutiny. Reese is adjusting not only to the faster, more physical style of the WNBA but also to carrying the weight of a franchise in flux. With veterans like Kahleah Copper having moved on and a relatively young core around her, Reese has been asked to do more than what’s typically expected of a rookie. She’s anchoring the paint, playing through defensive double-teams, and often acting as the emotional leader on and off the court.
Marsh acknowledges that it’s a lot—but insists she’s built for it.
“She wants it,” Marsh said. “You don’t step into this kind of spotlight unless you’re ready to handle the noise. She brings an edge, a competitiveness, and a voice. That’s not common for rookies. Most come in and try to find their way quietly. Angel’s doing it while being watched by millions, and she’s not backing down.”
That voice—both figuratively and literally—has become one of Reese’s defining characteristics. Whether it’s directing teammates on the court, defending herself against media criticism, or speaking out about women’s sports equity, she’s unafraid to be heard. And in Chicago, a city known for its hard-nosed sports culture, that kind of fearlessness resonates.
Still, the pressure is palpable. The Sky are in a developmental phase, trying to forge a new identity while integrating rookies like Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, once she returns from injury.
