After more than a year rehabbing an ACL injury, Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot is expected to return Friday against the Fire, barring a setback. The 37-year-old has been practicing fully since early June, and the Sky hope her leadership and steady floor
At some point this week, the Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot will step onto the floor again. Friday against the Fire is the target, multiple sources confirmed, and the return is expected barring a setback after more than a year rehabbing an ACL injury.
Vandersloot, 37, has spent more than a decade of her 15-year career with the Sky. She led the franchise to its only championship in 2021 and still holds the team’s all-time lead in points, assists and steals. She’s also chasing Sue Bird for the WNBA all-time assists lead.
For a team currently sitting at 5–12. the stakes are simple: the Sky have been searching for an identity on offense while dealing with another major blow. An ACL injury sidelined leading scorer Rickea Jackson, and the offense has struggled to find consistent rhythm. Vandersloot’s return, then, isn’t just about getting a veteran on the floor. It’s about what the Sky think her presence can stabilize—speed. decision-making. and the kind of structure that helps other players play fast.
Vandersloot described that impact in terms of comfort and flow. “That’s where strength is, just getting the offense to flow and run well,” she told the Sun-Times on June 16. “I can get people shots that they’re used to getting. The [biggest thing] is just the leadership out there. People feel comfortable when I’m on the floor with them and I’m hoping that that helps us in certain moments.”.
She’s been building toward that moment. Vandersloot has been practicing fully since early June, and teammates have been encouraged by the way she’s looked. Coach Tyler Marsh has kept reaching for the same word to describe the change—fluid. The offense looks more fluid with Vandersloot on the floor. and the team is preparing to see whether that carries over into game action.
The Sky will also be walking into Friday with momentum that they couldn’t afford to waste. They’re coming off a commanding win against the Fire. a result they badly needed after losing 11 of their previous 12 games. With another matchup against the Fire on the schedule. the Sky will have a chance to start stacking wins before the All-Star break.
Behind the scenes, the organization moved to clear space for Vandersloot’s return. The Sky made that possible by waiving Saylor Poffenbarger, who was on a hardship contract.
The story for the Sky now is whether Vandersloot’s leadership and the structure she believes she brings can translate into offensive production in the middle of a season that has already been hard to navigate. Friday is where those ideas will be tested in real time—against a familiar opponent. with a chance to turn the page before the break.
Courtney Vandersloot Chicago Sky Fire WNBA ACL injury Rickea Jackson Tyler Marsh Sue Bird All-Star break