Chicago Sky Star Concludes Illustrious Career with a Championship and Motherhood
Chicago, Illinois – After three years of silence since her last WNBA game, former standout guard Allie Quigley has officially confirmed her retirement, marking the end of an impressive 15-year career in America’s premier women’s basketball league.
In a heartfelt piece published on The Players’ Tribune, the 38-year-old former Chicago Sky star shared profound reflections on her journey from a second-round draft pick in 2008 to becoming one of the WNBA’s most beloved players.
From Rookie to Legend
Quigley began her professional career with the Phoenix Mercury in 2008, embarking on a path of self-discovery through stints with the Indiana Fever, San Antonio Silver Stars, and Seattle Storm. However, it was with her hometown team, the Chicago Sky, where she truly shone, spending a decade from 2013 to 2022.
The former DePaul guard showcased her exceptional talent, earning the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award in consecutive seasons (2014 and 2015) and securing three consecutive All-Star selections from 2017 to 2019. The pinnacle of her career came in 2021, when she helped the Chicago Sky win their first-ever WNBA championship.
Retirement Decision: From Champion to Mother
In her candid reflections, Quigley revealed that she considered retiring after the 2021 championship but chose to play one more season to fully embrace her final moments on the court. “By 2021, I knew I was getting close to retirement. After we finally won the championship, I thought it was a great way to go out,” she shared.
Yet, her desire to savor every last experience and defend the title motivated her to return for the 2022 season. “I wanted to walk into every arena knowing it might be the last time I played there,” Quigley confided.
A New Chapter: The Joy of Motherhood
Quigley’s official retirement decision coincides with a deeply personal milestone—welcoming her first child, Jana Christine, in April with her partner and former Sky teammate, Courtney Vandersloot. “While winning the Sky championship was special and a moment we’re so proud of, bringing a child into this world is the achievement we’re proudest of,” she wrote in her emotional piece.
A Lasting Legacy and Impressive Achievements
Throughout her career, Quigley established herself as one of the WNBA’s premier three-point shooters, boasting an impressive shooting percentage. In the 2021 championship season, she averaged 13.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with a remarkable three-point shooting rate above 45%—an extraordinary feat for a guard.
Even in her final 2022 season, at an advanced age, Quigley maintained consistent performance, playing 34 games and averaging 11.4 points per game. Beyond the WNBA, she gained valuable experience competing in leagues in Turkey and Italy during offseasons.
An “Irish Goodbye” to the WNBA
With her characteristic humor, Quigley described her departure from the WNBA as “an Irish goodbye to the W,” referring to her quiet exit without a formal announcement until now. “I never officially retired,” she admitted with a smile.
Now, with her official retirement, Allie Quigley leaves behind a proud legacy in WNBA history—not only through her on-court achievements but also as a role model for balancing a stellar career with personal fulfillment.