There are two distinct feelings coming out of Sky training camp.
One comes from Courtney Vandersloot and Azurá Stevens—who helped deliver the franchise’s first WNBA title—who want to get back to the 2021 standard.
The other comes from head coach Tyler Marsh and general manager Jeff Pagliocca, who would like a fresh start.
And who wouldn’t, after the last two years?
Losing seasons, coaching turnover, and a practice facility that still isn’t ready — despite being promised by the end of 2025.
Despite all that baggage, the front office managed to put together a competitive roster for the 2026 season.
There’s the intriguing new frontcourt pairing of Kamilla Cardoso and Rickea Jackson. A rather accomplished backcourt featuring Skylar Diggins and Courtney Vandersloot. And a lottery pick in Gabriela Jaquez, fresh off an NCAA title at UCLA.
“I think we should take a moment to step back and see what this is gonna look like,” Pagliocca said Wednesday. “Because it’s an awfully exciting, energetic group that we’ve put together.”
You can understand that sentiment, can’t you? That desire to turn a new leaf, to honor the potential? You can also understand the hesitation from fans.
So many disappointments since the 2021 championship. Remember when Kahleah Copper was supposed to be the new face of the franchise? Remember when it was Angel Reese?
The Sky traded up to draft her, touted her as the future, then flipped her for future first-round picks.
Don’t fans have the right to protect themselves from further heartbreak?
At the request of media, Pagliocca addressed his offseason dealings at length Wednesday, including the blockbuster trade of Reese.
On how the Reese deal went down: “It was a decision we made together. We remained in constant contact with Angel and her team after the season…. Over that time, th
