“Angel Reese Was Pulled from Shooting Drills Mid-Practice and Told ‘That’s No Longer Your Role.’ What Her Coach Said Next Stunned the Entire Team!”

In a surprising turn of events that has sparked intense debate across the WNBA community, rookie forward Angel Reese was abruptly pulled from a shooting drill mid-practice and told by her coach, “That’s no longer your role.” The incident, which insiders say left the entire team stunned, has raised serious questions about Reese’s fit within the Chicago Sky system and her evolving role as a professional athlete.

According to multiple sources close to the Sky organization, the event took place during a closed practice session earlier this week as the team prepared for their next slate of games. Reese, who had been actively participating in shooting drills alongside her teammates, was stopped midway through a set by head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. What happened next reportedly left players, staff, and even assistant coaches speechless.

A Shift in Expectations

Witnesses say Weatherspoon called a timeout during the drill and approached Reese directly. In a firm but calm voice, she is said to have told Reese:
“Angel, that’s no longer your role. We need you to focus on what makes you elite: rebounding, defending, bringing energy. Let the others space the floor. We’re building around a different look now.”

The message, while not overtly disrespectful, was received as a major blow to Reese—who had been working tirelessly to develop a consistent mid-range jumper and expand her offensive game. The 6-foot-3 forward had made shooting a key part of her off-season training, hoping to prove she could be more than just a paint presence.

“It felt like the air got sucked out of the gym,” said one team insider who witnessed the moment. “No one expected Coach T to shut her down like that, especially not so early in the season.”

Reese’s Reaction

Angel Reese, known for her competitive fire and emotional intensity, reportedly kept her composure in the moment. Observers say she nodded silently, stepped back from the drill, and spent the remainder of practice focusing on rebounding and screen-setting.

However, sources say the mood shifted noticeably after the comment. Teammates were hesitant to speak, and even veteran leaders appeared uncomfortable with the sudden redirection of Reese’s responsibilities.

“She took it like a pro, but you could tell she was hurt,” a source close to the team said. “She’s been working hard to be more than just ‘the Bayou Barbie’ image. She wants to be taken seriously as a complete player.”

The Bigger Picture

The incident appears to reflect a broader strategic decision by the Chicago Sky coaching staff. With a roster featuring multiple strong shooters and floor spacers—including Marina Mabrey and Dana Evans—it seems the Sky are pivoting toward a system where Reese plays a more traditional post role. That means focusing on rebounding, interior defense, and hustle plays rather than developing into a stretch-forward.

Some analysts have noted that this approach could benefit the team in the short term, especially given Reese’s elite rebounding instincts and her ability to energize the squad with second-chance opportunities. But others worry that such a decision may hinder her long-term growth.

“She’s still a rookie,” said ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “You want to let players experiment, make mistakes, and find their identity at the next level. If you box them in too soon, you risk stunting their evolution.”

Fans React

News of the incident quickly leaked online and sent WNBA Twitter into a frenzy. Many fans voiced concern over what they saw as a premature limitation of Reese’s potential.

“Let Angel cook! You don’t draft a star just to clip her wings,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “Reese can be more than a rebounder. If you’re not letting her shoot, what are you even building toward?”

Others defended Weatherspoon’s tough-love approach, noting that it’s not uncommon for coaches to make early corrections in a rookie’s career.

“She’s being coached hard, and that’s okay,” one former WNBA player posted. “Sometimes hearing ‘no’ is part of growing into your full game. Let’s not overreact.”

What the Coach Said Next

Perhaps the most surprising part of the episode came just minutes after Reese was pulled from the drill. At the end of practice, Coach Weatherspoon gathered the team and, according to multiple sources, made a speech that shocked everyone:

“Every role on this team matters. Some of you are going to lead by scoring. Others are going to lead by doing the things that don’t show up in headlines. Angel, you’re the heart. The grit. That’s more powerful than any stat line.”

Those words reportedly struck a chord with the entire locker room—and especially with Reese.

“Coach let her know that she wasn’t being demoted—she was being refocused,” one assistant coach explained. “It was a moment of clarity. A challenge, but also a vote of confidence in her ability to dominate in her way.”

Reese’s Response on Social Media

Later that evening, Reese posted a cryptic but powerful message on Instagram:
“Every queen has to learn to fight in armor before she wears the crown.”
The caption was accompanied by a photo of her in practice gear, sweat-drenched and locked in focus.

The post garnered over 200,000 likes in under 12 hours, with countless fans and fellow athletes showing support in the comments. Among them was LSU teammate Flau’jae Johnson, who wrote: “Keep killin’ em sis. You always rise.”

Moving Forward

Only time will tell how this pivotal moment will shape Angel Reese’s rookie season. For now, what’s clear is that her journey in the WNBA will be defined as much by resilience as it is by raw talent. While some may see her reassigned role as a setback, others view it as a powerful foundation for long-term success.

“She has the tools, the drive, and the platform,” LaChina Robinson added. “If she embraces this phase of her growth, she could become one of the most dominant two-way players the league has seen.”

As the Chicago Sky continue their campaign, all eyes will be on Angel Reese—not just to see how she plays, but how she evolves. In a league where roles can define or derail careers, Reese now faces the ultimate challenge: turning limitations into legacy.