In a raucous Pete Maravich Assembly Center on May 2, Angel Reese reminded LSU faithful why she earned the “Bayou Barbie” moniker, lighting up the Sky’s 89–62 preseason rout of the Brazilian national team with a 15‑point, 10‑rebound double‑double in a little over 16 minutes.
But it wasn’t just the box score that turned heads; it was the swagger in her step and the steely glare in her eyes as she strode across her former college floor, undeterred by the modest turnout of 6,373 fans.
On top of that, it was Maddy Westbeld’s remarks in April—issued mere days after joining the Sky—that signaled her eagerness to match Reese’s intensity and carve out her own role in Chicago’s revamped lineup.
Maddy Westbeld Calls Angel Reese a Phenomenal Leader
The Notre Dame powerhouse Maddy Westbeld wasted no time making her feelings clear, proclaiming that practicing and competing alongside Reese will elevate her own game from day one.
Selected 16th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Maddy Westbeld arrived in Chicago as an All‑ACC honoree from Notre Dame. According to ESPN, she has averaged 12.1 points and 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
Yet rather than expressing trepidation about playing behind a league rebounding leader, Westbeld expressed excitement. “I’m so excited to be able to compete with Angel every day,” she told Athlon Sports.
Adding, “I’m just excited to be able to compete with the best, really prove who I am, really prove the fact that I deserve to be in this league and I made it to this point. I’m excited to put people on notice.”
Chicago’s young core has fully embraced Reese’s lead‑by‑example style. In an interview with talkSPORT in April 2025, the Notre Dame rookie highlighted Reese’s leadership.
“She’s a phenomenal leader, and I think people don’t really see that.”
2025 Chicago Sky Final Roster
Chicago’s frontcourt rotation also boasts 6‑7 center Kamilla Cardoso, whose athleticism and South Carolina championship pedigree provide a formidable interior one‑two punch alongside Reese in upcoming games.
Based on the official Sky roster released by the team, Chicago’s 12‑player roster features a blend of veteran savvy and rookie promise:
- #1 Elizabeth Williams (C‑F)
- #2 Hailey Van Lith (G, R)
- #4 Moriah Jefferson (G)
- #5 Angel Reese (F)
- #7 Ariel Atkins (G)
- #9 Rebecca Allen (F‑G)
- #10 Kamilla Cardoso (C)
- #11 Kia Nurse (G)
- #12 Michaela Onyenwere (F)
- #21 Maddy Westbeld (F, R)
- #22 Courtney Vandersloot (G)
- #24 Rachel Banham (G)
MORE: Chicago Sky 2025 Roster Names and Depth Charts, Including Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith
The Fever themselves revamped their leadership structure this off‑season under head coach Stephanie White, adding veterans like DeWanna Bonner and capitalizing on Clark’s breakout to aim for a deeper playoff run.
As the calendar flips to May 17, the question looms: will Reese’s expanded arsenal and Westbeld’s competitive fire mesh quickly enough to propel the Sky past the Fever?
If Chicago’s rookies rise to the challenge and Reese continues her preseason tear, commanding boards and setting the tone, the revamped Sky may surprise many by snapping their playoff drought.
