Chicago Sky Celebrate WNBA Championship Win

Chance the Rapper addressed the huge crowd of rally participants who full Millennium Park this past Tuesday October 19th, in celebration of the Sky's WNBA Championship. Photo by Tia Carol Jones
Chance the Rapper addressed the huge crowd of rally participants who full Millennium Park this past Tuesday October 19th, in celebration of the Sky's WNBA Championship. Photo by Tia Carol Jones

Chicago Sky Celebrate WNBA Championship Win

BY TIA CAROL JONES

The Chicago Sky won their first Championship Title in their 16-year history. Chicago celebrated the Chicago Sky’s WNBA Championship Win with a parade and rally in Millennium Park.

The Chicago Sky won 74-80 against Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena on Oct. 17.

“Young athletes across the nation will look up to you and see themselves in you, not just because of your raw talent, but because of your integrity on and off the court,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton called the team an inspiration and talked about the pride the team brought to
the city of Chicago and state of Illinois.

“You have not only been champions on the court, you have been incredible leaders off the court; that give us confidence to go after our goals, reach for our dreams, no matter who or what was standing in their way,” she said. “You tell us that
it is OK to smash those barriers and make clear there is no ceiling.”

Courtney Vandersloot, point guard, was named Peak Performer for the sixth time. Kaleah Copper, guard and forward, was named WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the win one of the most important moments in sports history in the city. She acknowledged the hard work of the team that led them to that win.

“Even starting out 0-7, they persevered. That’s a lesson for all of us that is you work hard, you come together as a team, you can get it done,” she said.

The win is a dream come true for Chicago Sky principal owner
Michael Alter.

“The dream was to showcase these incredible, athletic, powerful, strong women who lead each other on an off the court. And, by the way, the large majority of whom are Black women,” he said. “The dream was to not just be champions but to in the process, make an impact on our city and in our communities. Today we are living that dream.”

Chicago Sky Coach James Wade knew at the start of the season there were expectations. The team spent the
last two seasons in the second round and third round. This season, the team attempted to swing for the fences. So, Wade made a couple of phone calls to find out what would put them over the top. Then, Wade called Candace Parker to find out what it would take for her to come back home.

“She came because of the players on our team. And, what she told me was, ‘I love the way you guys play, I love the way you play for each other.’ It just made me realize we built something special, not just with the way we play, but we built something special with the people,” he said.

Parker remembered watching the Chicago Bulls parades and rallies on television, dreaming of being in that moment, dreaming of bringing a title to Chicago.

“I know I was drafted out west, but I think we stayed consistent with those Midwestern values and those Midwestern values are that grit, that grind, that Blue Collar. And, I think the team demonstrated that this year of just coming in, working hard,” she said. “You guys’ energy got us through that Game 4.”

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