The Chicago Sky stunned the basketball world on Thursday night after news broke that the organization had decided to part ways with head coach Teresa Weatherspoon after just one season. 

Weatherspoon was far from the best coach in the league this past year, and the fact that Chicago missed the postseason for the first time in six years after finishing with a 13-27 record (10th in the league) is a testament to this notion.

Despite her lackluster performance at the helm, however, not too many folks expected such an abrupt exit for the former five-time WNBA All-Star. It appears that not too many people wanted her out either. You can add Sky cornerstone forward Angel Reese to that list.

Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon speaks with Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Shortly after media outlets picked up the news, Reese took to X (formerly Twitter) to make a heartfelt statement about Weatherspoon. The 22-year-old could not help but get emotional in her post.

“I’m heartbroken,” Reese wrote. “I’m literally lost for words knowing what this woman meant to me in such a pivotal point in my life. She was the only person that believed in me. The one that trusted me.

“Many don’t even know what it’s like to be a black women in sports when nobody believes in you. You had a tough job. All the crazy circumstances that we went through this year & when your back was against the wall, you always believed.”

Reese then went on to say that Weatherspoon is the main reason why the former LSU superstar is with the Sky right now.

“I came to Chicago because of YOU,” Reese declared. “You were an unsung hero in my life. We built a relationship in a short amount of time that will last forever. I’ll never question God why he brings people in my life and takes them away from me in the capacity that I need them but i’ve always believed everyone is in your life for a reason and a season.

“You were the best reason & season. You didn’t deserve this but I can’t thank you enough. I love you Tspoon.”

Reese’s powerful message immediately blew up online. As of writing, just after nine hours since it was published, the post had amassed more than 3.5 million views.

The post has also garnered all sorts of comments from the mean streets of X, with users clearly having some mixed emotions over Reese’s words.

“didn’t you come to chicago bc you were drafted by them?” asked a reader.

“Why would you write this like an obituary this is the most insane tweet I’ve ever read,” commented another.

“She had no control over yall, that’s why she’s gone,” someone reacted.

Some other fans, though, sympathized with Reese. In fact, a fair amount of Sky supporters have also questioned the team’s unexpected decision to part ways with Weatherspoon.

“This is bad business to fire her in a rebuilding season! When they actually did better than what was projected! To the players I’m sorry, we know how much she meant to you guys!” wrote a fan.

“I know how much she meant to you/Chen and she deserved more time. Not many people can deal with the cards she was dealt throughout the season. She made me wanna run through a wall sometimes too  I pray that you all get a coach that sees you and believes in you just as much,” said another.

“I am mad and heartbroken for her. The team had its ups and downs but some grace should’ve been given especially for it being Weatherspoon’s first year,” a comment read.

This development is far from inconsequential, which is why it’s completely understandable that the firing has taken on a life of its own.