Photo by CSOM Sports
The Chicago Sky are undergoing a significant culture shift, illustrated by a renewed focus on establishing a strong team identity under new head coach Tyler Marsh. This new approach includes embracing a more aggressive and modern style of play, including more three-point shot attempts, and developing young cornerstone players Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese.
There’s no denying that Marsh has had an immediate impact on the Sky and has given fans reasons for optimism heading into the upcoming season. Space and pace were key topics of conversation when Marsh was hired as coach in November, as Chicago finished last in three-point shooting attempts last season. Marsh’s offensive system will take time to develop, but he does have a team goal that would signal a successful first year.
“It’s about identity, first and foremost. Establishing a culture, establishing a mindset, establishing identity, who we want to be for this year and for the long term moving forward”, Marsh told CSOM Sports.
After being on a title-winning staff with the Las Vegas Aces, Marsh seems focused on bringing a similar mindset to Chicago. The revised Sky system will be predicated upon giving more room for Cardoso to operate in the post. Chicago will look for Reese to showcase a mix of her Maryland and LSU game where she was a threat on the wing and in the post.
The Sky are also moving away from a more defensive minded approach from last season and are ushering in a high-powered offensive attack. The return of future Hall of Fame guard Courtney Vandersloot in addition to veterans like Ariel Atkins, Kia Nurse, and Rebecca Allen provide balance and experience to the roster. These new additions will go a long way in taking the pressure off of the Sky’s young core.
Angel Reese on the standard being set in Chicago under Coach Tyler Marsh
“I think we can take away that we’re super competitive. I think everybody in here wants to win, wants a spot. Coach Tyler, he sets the tone early. He makes sure we feel the energy early, and that’s expected to be every day as the standard.”
GM Jeff Pagliocca has also embraced a more modern approach to roster construction. For Pagliocca and the Sky, the willingness to take risks and make trades reflect a broader shift happening across the WNBA. The Ariel Atkins acquisition prior to the WNBA Draft illustrates Pagliocca's aggressive and win-now nature.
The Sky's the limit for this young team this season. Chicago will be a fun team to watch as they find their footing to start the season. But for Chicago to improve on last season's 13-27 record and make it to the postseason, Reese and Cardoso will both be expected to take a step forward in their development. However, it is clear that Marsh and his coaching staff will do everything possible to put them both in positions to excel.
The Chicago Sky open their 2025 season on Saturday against the Indiana Fever at 3 p.m. ET.