Posts by Alissa Hirsh

Alissa Hirsh covers the Chicago Sky for The Next. She is also writing a memoir about the difficulty in leaving her college basketball career behind, and co-founded The Townies newsletter. Her hometown of Skokie, Illinois is known for having the top bagel options in the Chicagoland area.

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins palms the ball with her right hand while looking at the rim while Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter is in a defensive stance in front of her

Win now or pay later: Sky sacrifice draft assets for All-Star Ariel Atkins

February 24, 2025

Atkins enhances the Sky’s playoff prospects in 2025, but limits the team’s ability to replenish talent through the draft

Connecticut Sun guard Rebecca Allen raises up and shoots the ball while New York Liberty guard Kayla Thornton raises her right hand

New wings Becca Allen and Kia Nurse help reset Sky’s flight path

February 17, 2025

Duo brings shooting, versatility to Sky’s perimeter overhaul

New York Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot does a no-look pass while Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes watches with arms outstretched

Chicago Sky stack up on veterans in retooling effort

February 5, 2025

Former franchise star Courtney Vandersloot returns along with Rebecca Allen and Kia Nurse

Joe McKeown points while standing next to the referee who holds the ball

Northwestern’s Blizzard defense nears extinction

January 31, 2025

The transfer portal era challenges the viability of the Blizzard defense

Chennedy Carter goes up for a layup with her right hand while the defense raises their hand

One-Year Wonder: Chennedy Carter will become an unrestricted free agent

January 23, 2025

With a new coaching staff, the Sky will be going a different direction this offseason

Loyola Chicago guard Thoranna Kika Hodge-Carr tries to make a pass around a La Salle defender.

Filling the voice: How Loyola Chicago is developing new leadership

December 28, 2024

After star point guard’s departure, Ramblers’ captains step out of their comfort zone

USK Praha small forward María Conde extends her left arm to attempt a layup. A defender attempts to contest it but is on Conde's other side.

What losing the rights to María Conde means for the Chicago Sky

December 8, 2024

The Golden State Valkyries selected Conde in Friday’s expansion draft

Chicago Sky players surround Elizabeth Williams who raises her arm and is dancing

Chicago Sky will prioritize shooting with the No. 3 pick in the draft

November 18, 2024

A lottery pick could help the Sky strengthen roster holes on the perimeter

Rachel Banham, Elizabeth Williams, Tyler Marsh and Jeff Pagliocca sit next to each other at the press conference table

How new Sky coach Tyler Marsh plans to build a stronger foundation

November 16, 2024

Marsh stresses shooting, culture in introductory press conference

Las Vegas Aces assistant coach Tyler Marsh watches as guard Kelsey Plum reaches her hand out to defend New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu.

Chicago Sky hire Aces assistant coach Tyler Marsh as head coach

November 3, 2024

Marsh brings player development experience, alignment to Sky