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Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot (22) reacts after being injured during the first half of a WNBA game against the Indiana Fever at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

'Love You 22': Angel Reese Reacts To Courtney Vandersloot’s Devastating Season-Ending Injury Report

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 1:43 PM ET

Angel Reese will have to think of new ways to be creative to continue being effective on the hard court, as the Chicago Sky will be without a strong head in Courtney Vandersloot following a season-ending injury.

Vandersloot, a WNBA veteran of almost 2 decades, went down with a torn ACL as the Indiana Fever tore them a new one, winning 79-52 last Saturday. The influential baller hit the deck in her attempt to have a go at the basket and needed a hand getting off the floor. She was eventually sidelined for the remainder of the game. Her game ended with just 2 points in 5 minutes.

Angel Reese was one of the first to react to her injury on social media. With a short but heartfelt message for her mentor:

“Love you 22.”

The Chicago Sky guard is no stranger to being appreciative of her teammate in social media, even commenting on Vandersloot’s impressive show against Mist BC.

“SLOOTTTTT”

SLOOTTTTT https://t.co/5yxcCi60VJ

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) February 22, 2025

Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard (6) during the second half of a WNBA game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

But with the two-time WNBA champion out for the season, Chi Barbie and the rest of the Sky needs to come up with ways to keep their performance up in light of this handicap that they’ve been dealt with.

An Angel Reese in A Sky Full of Stars

The General has been a key figure for the Chicago outfit with her no-nonsense persona, command of her zones, and influential leadership traits. But with her on the bleachers until the end of the season, the young stars in Angel Reese, Kamila Cardoso and Van Lith, to name a few, need to step up to the board and crash it.

“It’s a moment where everyone needs to step up, especially with someone like Sloot going out,” – Rebecca Allen

Jun 7, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts during the first half of a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Angel Reese has been a beneficiary of the Sloot playmaking engine and will, no doubt, be affected by this blank space. But she has been a shining light in stepping up as a morale booster with how she has been keen to show love and support to her teammates. This could be a career-defining moment for her.

Being one of the keys to Vandersloot’s move to the Sky, Angel Reece’s youth and play style had been an undeniable factor. Playing to this strength even without their guide could be an important attribute to how the rest of the season would pan out.

May 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Rebecca Allen (9), guard Ariel Atkins (7), guard Courtney Vandersloot (22), center Kamilla Cardoso (10), and forward Angel Reese (5) are seen during the first half against the Dallas Wings at the Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

While the outlook for Chicago Sky is cloudy, more so after losing Courtney, an opportunity for the rest of the stars to shine and lead the team on.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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