The Perfect Partnership
Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley have represented the epitome of a perfect partnership for the Chicago Sky organization, demonstrating exceptional chemistry and mutual support both as professional basketball players on the court and as life partners in their personal relationship. Their connection has been one of the most celebrated aspects of the Sky franchise, with fans and teammates alike admiring their ability to seamlessly blend their professional careers with their committed romantic relationship.
Vandersloot’s Season-Ending Injury
Unfortunately, the current season has been marked by significant adversity for the couple, as Vandersloot suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament tear during a game against the Indiana Fever on the previous Saturday, forcing her to miss the remainder of the season. This injury represents a major setback not only for Vandersloot’s individual career but also for the Chicago Sky’s championship aspirations, as she has been a cornerstone of their offensive system and team leadership structure throughout her tenure with the organization.
Quigley’s Retirement Announcement
In an even more significant development for the franchise and their relationship, Quigley has officially announced her retirement from professional basketball through a heartfelt essay published in The Players’ Tribune, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over a decade. The essay, titled “Irish Goodbye,” cleverly references a cultural tradition that perfectly encapsulates Quigley’s approach to stepping away from the game she has dedicated her life to pursuing at the highest professional level.
The Meaning Behind “Irish Goodbye”
Quigley begins her retirement essay by explaining the concept of an “Irish goodbye,” writing: “You know what an ‘Irish goodbye’ is? When you’re at a party or something, and you just simply… leave, quietly, without making a big deal about it?” She continues with characteristic humor, noting that “recently I heard someone say that I gave an Irish goodbye on the W, which made me laugh,” demonstrating her ability to find levity even in the emotional process of ending her professional basketball career.
Stepping Away After Championship Success
The essay reveals that Quigley had been contemplating retirement since the Sky’s championship victory in 2021, suggesting that winning the title provided her with a sense of completion and accomplishment that made stepping away from the game feel natural and appropriate. She took a hiatus from professional basketball during the 2023-2025 seasons to focus on motherhood, as she and Vandersloot welcomed their daughter Jana Christine on April 8th, marking a new chapter in their lives as parents and partners.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
Throughout her retirement essay, Quigley takes considerable time to express gratitude to the numerous individuals who have played instrumental roles in shaping her career and supporting her journey through professional basketball. She specifically acknowledges her mother and her hometown of Joliet, Illinois, as foundational elements that provided her with the strength, values, and determination necessary to succeed at the highest levels of women’s professional basketball.
Professional Mentors and Coaches
Quigley extends special recognition to Ann Meyers Drysdale, who was instrumental in bringing her to the Phoenix Mercury during her rookie season in 2008, launching what would become a remarkable 14-season career in the WNBA. She also expresses deep appreciation for her Chicago Sky coaches, including Pokey Chatman, Amber Stocks, and James Wade, each of whom contributed to her development as both a player and a leader during her transformative years with the organization.
Final Acknowledgments
The essay concludes with heartfelt thanks to the Chicago Sky organization, the passionate fan base that supported her throughout her career, the WNBA as a league that provided her with opportunities to compete at the highest level, and most importantly, her life partner Vandersloot. Quigley’s professional career spanned 14 seasons across multiple franchises, including the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, and San Antonio Silver Stars (now known as the Las Vegas Aces), showcasing her versatility and value as a professional athlete.
Sky Career and Accomplishments
Quigley joined the Chicago Sky in 2013 and quickly established herself as one of the franchise’s most reliable and productive players over the course of ten seasons with the organization. During her tenure with the Sky, she developed into one of the most accomplished shooters and scorers in franchise history, consistently demonstrating the ability to perform at an elite level in crucial moments and high-pressure situations.
Scoring Records and Legacy
At one point during her career, Quigley held the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in Chicago Sky franchise history with an impressive total of 3,723 points, a record that stood as a testament to her consistency and longevity with the organization. This scoring record was eventually surpassed by her partner Vandersloot during a game against the Dallas Wings on May 29th, creating a unique and romantic moment where one partner’s achievement superseded the other’s previous accomplishment.
2021 Championship Impact
Quigley served as a crucial catalyst for the Sky’s incredible championship run in 2021, providing veteran leadership, clutch shooting, and emotional stability during the team’s journey to their first WNBA title. During that championship season, she averaged an impressive 13.2 points per game while shooting an exceptional 45% from three-point range, demonstrating the elite-level performance that made her such a valuable asset throughout her career.
Fan Favorite and Leader
Throughout her time in Chicago, Quigley earned recognition not only for her on-court contributions but also for her role as a leader and mentor to younger players within the organization. Her combination of professional excellence, personal integrity, and genuine connection with the fan base made her one of the most beloved figures in Chicago Sky history, establishing a legacy that will endure long after her retirement from professional basketball.