As Courtney Vandersloot returns to the franchise she spent twelve years with, the troops are different from the ones that led them to glory in 2021. However, ‘The General’ wouldn’t be fazed. She knows the uniform all too well and knows there’s only one goal: another chip for the Windy City.

The quest officially kicked off this month with the training camp and preseason games, giving us a taste of this squad. Vandersloot recorded 11 points, shooting an efficient 5 of 7 from the field, and topped it off with three rebounds, five assists, and four steals across 20 minutes in their win over the Lynx. Providing a direction to their offense, Courtney looked like the orchestrator they needed her to be this season.

However, an injury to the star has dealt a blow to Sky’s ambitions as Vandersloot appears to be out of their next preseason game. 

Is Courtney Vandersloot injured?

Vandersloot has been mentioned as ‘questionable’ in the injury report, indicating the extent of her injury is unknown and could just be a case of precautionary measures for the veteran. Stars missing preseason games is not unprecedented, as teams don’t want their players picking up injuries in matches that don’t account for their season. Coaches in the WNBA instead focus on playing their benches and training camp contract players in order to gain a clear picture of their rotations heading into the season. And also, for making the dreaded cuts.

The Sky’s ‘X’ account, however, brought fans some relief, posting a video from training. While the video primarily focused on Ariel Atkins’ intensity, it also featured Vandersloot practicing alongside her teammates, and she looked fit enough.

The seven-time WNBA assists leader is returning for her 15th season, and Tyler Marsh believes she’ll be playing a huge role in their success this season. “She’s someone that leads by example first and foremost, but she’s not afraid to mix it up when she needs to as well. And I think that’s what a young team needs. She’s somebody that everyone respects from day one,” Marsh said. “And so she has that commanding voice and that commanding presence to where, when she speaks, she has everyone’s attention. And so that type of leadership is invaluable.” 

With the injury report for the Chicago Sky being blank except for Courtney’s inclusion, the fans can be at ease knowing the rest of their team will still be competing in the next game and will look to finish preseason on a high.

History of injuries: Courtney Vandersloot

While Marsh’s staff would want to ensure they minimize the risk of injuries to their invaluable leader, it won’t be too much of a hassle. Vandersloot has a reputation for being a true professional in the league, showing up to practices early and lifting on game days. Her commitment to physical preparation is highlighted in her durability across a glorious career.

She has sustained only one major injury in her WNBA career, which was a Grade III sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in her left knee in 2014. The injury occurred in the final seconds of a game against the New York Liberty in June 2014, when she ran into a hard screen set by the tough Plenette Pierson. Following examinations and an MRI, the Chicago Sky announced that Vandersloot would be sidelined for six to ten weeks. Despite the injury, she displayed true professionalism and traveled with the team.

Courtney also struggled with lingering issues with her right ankle in 2016, but the extent of the injury wasn’t major, as she missed only 4 games.

With this in mind, the Sky fans should enjoy the final preseason game and prepare for a season that promises a lot more excitement than the past one. As for Courtney, we’re sure she’ll be enjoying the match with a chili cheese dog from her beloved Portillo’s.