A new wave of talent has arrived in the Windy City, and Angel Reese—one of the WNBA’s brightest new stars—is embracing the competition.
After a breakout rookie season that saw her lead the league in rebounds and earn All-Star and All-Rookie honors, Reese is now being challenged by second-round draft pick Maddy Westbeld, a 6-foot-3 forward out of Notre Dame.
Selected by the Chicago Sky in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Westbeld wasted no time in delivering a message to her new teammates—especially Reese.
“I’m so excited to be able to compete with Angel every day,” Westbeld said in a post-draft interview. “Her motor, her activity level, her competitiveness—I’m just excited to compete with the best and prove that I deserve to be in this league.”
That mindset is exactly what the Sky need as they enter a pivotal season under newly appointed head coach Tyler Marsh, who replaces Teresa Weatherspoon after a playoff-less 2023 campaign.
A Star Rebuilding a Franchise
Reese, alongside fellow 2023 draftee Kamilla Cardoso, helped breathe new life into the franchise. While the Sky missed the postseason, the rookie duo gave fans a glimpse of a promising future.
Reese not only dominated the glass with a league-leading 13.1 rebounds per game, but her stardom extended off the court—landing brand deals, starting a podcast, and gracing the cover of Vogue.
Yet with high expectations comes the need for continued growth, and internal competition might be just what Chicago needs to elevate its game.
Depth, Drive, and Direction
Westbeld, despite a fifth-year injury at Notre Dame that saw her slip down draft boards, brings four solid years of experience averaging double figures in scoring. She is expected to fight for minutes behind Reese and Cardoso, potentially offering valuable depth in the post.
While Ajša Sivka, the Slovenian forward also drafted by the Sky, may not join the team until 2025, Westbeld’s chances of making the final roster have increased significantly. Add in fellow first-rounder Hailey Van Lith from TCU, and the Sky’s roster suddenly looks younger, deeper, and more competitive than it has in years.
Fueling the Fire
If Westbeld’s attitude becomes contagious, it could ignite a much-needed spark. Chicago has all the ingredients: a rising star in Reese, a commanding presence in Cardoso, and now a rookie ready to prove herself daily in practice.
For Angel Reese, that competition isn’t a threat—it’s motivation.
