The Chicago Sky are at a crossroads. After an underwhelming 2025 season, marked by a losing record and visible frustration from rising star Angel Reese, the team faces mounting pressure to recalibrate. Following promising rookie campaigns from Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in 2024, the Sky’s front office aggressively pursued veteran talent in free agency and even traded a lottery pick for Ariel Atkins. The gamble, however, didn’t pay off. Now, the Sky are betting on smart, behind-the-scenes moves to catalyze the change they desperately need.
The first domino has already fallen: Latricia Trammell joining Tyler Marsh’s coaching staff. Trammell, who has spent nearly a decade navigating the WNBA’s coaching landscape, is expected to inject a much-needed defensive mindset and veteran presence. Her résumé is impressive—starting as an assistant with the San Antonio Stars in 2017, moving on to the Los Angeles Sparks from 2019 to 2022, and later leading the Wings as head coach. Despite a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries, her teams consistently demonstrated defensive improvement, highlighting her ability to maximize talent under pressure.
Chicago’s struggles on both ends of the court were glaring last season. The Sky ranked 12th in offensive rating and 13th in defensive rating, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning how the team could turn the tide. Trammell’s track record suggests she can help. During her stint with the Sparks, she oversaw defenses that propelled Candace Parker to a 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award, while Nneka Ogwumike and Brittney Sykes earned multiple All-Defensive selections. Her experience with star forwards will be invaluable in nurturing Reese and Cardoso, who are expected to lead the team’s next era.
Beyond X’s and O’s, Trammell brings credibility and experience to a relatively young coaching staff. While Tyler Marsh has prior WNBA assistant experience and Tanisha Wright combines playing and head coaching insight, Rena Wakama remains new to the league. Trammell’s presence could stabilize the staff and provide the strategic guidance necessary during a pivotal rebuilding phase.
Yet, even with a high-profile assistant added, the Sky know that coaching adjustments alone won’t instantly flip their fortunes. The real change may come from subtle offseason moves that avoid headlines but deliver long-term impact. As Candace Parker notes, “Sometimes the moves that fly under the radar in the offseason are exactly what a team like the Sky needs to shake things up. It’s not always about the headlines—it’s about strategy, timing, and making the right adjustments to push the team forward. Change doesn’t always come loud; sometimes it comes smart.”
Chicago’s fans have endured disappointment before, but this calculated approach—combining coaching experience with under-the-radar roster tweaks—could be the blueprint for a dramatic turnaround. If executed correctly, the Sky may emerge from the shadows, transforming quiet moves into a season that finally matches the promise of their young stars.
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