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Kamilla Cardoso's Three-Word Message to Courtney Vandersloot After ACL Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 9:19 PM ET

The Chicago Sky were on the receiving end of some terrible news on Sunday. This came in the form of five-time All-Star Courtney Vandersloot being diagnosed with a torn right ACL after the 36-year-old guard was forced to exit Saturday's 79-52 blowout loss to the Indiana Fever in the first quarter.

Vandersloot looked like she was in significant pain after suffering the non-contact injury, and she had to be carried to the locker room immediately after the incident. The Sky later announced that she would not be able to return to the game.

Fans have been left in tears over this devastating turn of events. Vandersloot's teammates have also reacted to the news, which includes second-year center Kamilla Cardoso sending a heartfelt three-word message to her teammate.

"love you Slooty!!" Cardoso wrote on Instagram, sharing the Sky's injury announcement.

Kamilla Cardoso reacts to Courtney Vandersloot's season-ending injury

(via @kamilla_cardoso on IG) pic.twitter.com/JrouDfhv3I
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) June 9, 2025

Cardoso won't be filling in for the Sky's backcourt amid Vandersloot's injury, but the former Syracuse and South Carolina star will likely face a heavier workload moving forward as Chicago looks to take a committee approach in filling the void that Vandersloot has left.

In seven games played so far, Cardoso has averaged 10.9 points on 50.8% shooting, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 21.8 minutes as Chicago's starting center.

Much like the rest of the team, Cardoso will need to step it up amid Vandersloot's season-ending injury as the Sky look to improve on their 2-5 record and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Losing Vandersloot is an undeniably huge blow for Chicago, but at this point, they have no choice but to soldier on without their floor general.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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