Angel Reese recently became deeply emotional while reflecting on her time with former coach and mentor Teresa Weatherspoon at the Chicago Sky.

Speaking candidly, Reese described Weatherspoon as not just a coach, but a guiding force in her life. “She’s like a second mom to me,” Reese shared, her voice quivering with emotion.

The connection between the two went beyond basketball; Weatherspoon’s influence helped shape Reese both as an athlete and as a person.

Reese recounted how Weatherspoon’s guidance was essential in overcoming personal doubts and obstacles, particularly when Reese struggled with self-confidence. “She always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself,” Reese said, clearly moved by the memory.

Teresa Weatherspoon’s approach to coaching was rooted in empathy, resilience, and leadership, values she passed down to Reese.

It was not just about improving basketball skills; it was about molding a mindset of strength and perseverance. Reese credited Weatherspoon for teaching her to lead by example, both on and off the court.

“She pushed me to be a leader, not just by scoring points but by inspiring others,” Reese explained. The emotional tribute highlighted the lasting impact Weatherspoon has had on Reese’s growth, making it clear that their bond went beyond the basketball court.

Reese’s heartfelt words served as a reminder of the profound role mentors play in the lives of young athletes, showing how Weatherspoon’s mentorship has been a key factor in Reese’s success, not only as a player but as an individual.

Teresa Weatherspoon Addresses Angel Reese’s Reaction to Sky Firing With 3 Words

Chicago Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon answers questions during her introductory news conference on October 24, 2023. | IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

One of the more unexpected moves in the WNBA offseason was when the Chicago Sky fired head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one season of her leading the team.

Weatherspoon (who is now a head coach for Unrivaled’s Vinyl BC team) hasn’t spoken about her exit from Chicago much since it occurred. But during a February 5 interview on the Good Follow show, the former WNBA superstar got honest about the Sky front office’s decision.

“I’m the first one to say I was shocked, surprised, hurt,” Weatherspoon said about getting fired. “I was all of those things because I didn’t see it coming.

So I chose just to be quiet. I chose to be silent. I chose to move in my direction and not anyone else’s direction. I chose not to speak the way I was spoken about.”

She was then asked by Good Follow co-host Ros Gold-Onwude about the support she received from Sky superstar Angel Reese (who made it known how upset she was with a September 26 X post) in the wake of her firing.

“I haven’t spoken about any of this at all. But when you speak about the support that I’ve been given, the love that has been shown, the mad love that has been shown, and you talk about Angel hitting the platform and speaking up about how it was for me and what our relationship was like.

“It meant everything,” Weatherspoon continued.

“You hear people say it meant the world, it meant everything… I’m looking at you to tell you that it meant everything,” she added of Reese’s reaction.

“When you have someone to stand with who she is, and uses her platform, and stand the way that she did, it meant everything to me, to my career, to what I’ve worked so hard for,” she continued.

“And when you have someone speaking up for you the way that Angel came forth… and they stood, and I was fine.”

Clearly Weatherspoon feels extremely grateful for how Reese stood up for her in the wake of that unexpected firing.