The last time Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith shared the court in college, they walked off it in heartbreak. It was the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament — a heavyweight clash that lived up to the hype — but in the end, it was Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes who advanced, sending LSU home with a 94–87 defeat. It wasn’t just a loss — it was a statement. Clark had taken the crown, and the world was watching.
Fast forward to 2025, and the scene looks different — but the players, and the stakes, are just as dramatic. Now, the battle continues in the WNBA, and this time, Reese and Van Lith are teammates again, reunited under the bright lights of Chicago. Together, they’re joining forces with Kamilla Cardoso, Ajsa Sivka, and Maddy Westbeld in what’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting young cores in the league.
This isn’t just a rebuild — it’s a reloaded rivalry. Chicago’s front office has been cooking, drafting smart and staying aggressive, positioning the Sky to become a long-term threat in a league that’s rapidly gaining popularity and competitive fire. At the center of that firestorm? The Indiana Fever — and Caitlin Clark.
Clark’s arrival in Indiana has sparked a full-blown WNBA renaissance. She’s box office, already the face of the franchise, and she’s coming off a record-breaking rookie campaign that turned the Fever into must-watch TV. But with stardom comes targets — and Chicago’s young guns have their sights locked in.
Reese, never one to shy away from spotlight or smoke, has made it clear: she’s ready. The trash talk, the competitive edge, the confidence — it’s all still there, now wrapped in the polish of a pro. And Van Lith, more focused and fiery than ever, brings the kind of floor general energy that could anchor a team full of rising stars.
Together, they form a duo with history, chemistry, and unfinished business. Add in Cardoso — a 6’7″ post presence who dominated in college and is ready to bring that inside force to the league — and suddenly, the Sky don’t just have talent. They have balance.
Then there’s Ajsa Sivka, the international sensation from Slovenia who has scouts buzzing. Long, skilled, and fearless, she adds a wildcard element to Chicago’s already intriguing roster. Maddy Westbeld, meanwhile, may be a project now — but her versatility and IQ give the Sky another valuable piece to mold.
With so much young talent on the roster, the challenge now becomes execution. The WNBA is no longer just a veteran’s league — but experience still matters. The Sky will need their young core to grow fast, jell quickly, and compete with the likes of Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Indiana’s rising dynasty-in-the-making.
But make no mistake — Chicago’s not here to wait five years for success. They’re here to challenge the balance of power now. And with Reese and Van Lith fueled by past losses and future dreams, they’re stepping onto the hardwood with revenge in their veins and victory on their minds.
This isn’t just about one game or one season. This is about a rivalry that began in college, stretched into primetime, and now lives on in the pros. The battles are back. The names are the same. And the goal is clear.
Caitlin Clark may have taken the spotlight. But the Sky are building a storm — and Reese, Van Lith, and company are ready to bring it right to Indiana’s doorstep.