On Monday, the Chicago Sky announced that Tonya Edwards would join the Sky coaching staff as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2021 season.
Edwards will join a coaching staff with returning assistant coaches Olaf Lange and Emre Vatansever.
Tonya Edwards will join the Sky with an already established relationship with signed forward Candace Parker; as Edwards was a part of the Los Angeles Sparks coaching staff that saw Parker capture her first WNBA championship and finals MVP.
Edwards and Parker’s connection doesn’t just start with the Sky or Sparks; it begins with Tennessee. Both women attended the University of Tennessee and played for legendary coach Pat Summitt; both women would win two National Championships for the Lady Vols. Edward (1987,1989) and Parker (2007,2008).
Tonya Edwards comes with over 11 years worth of coaching experience in women’s basketball serving as the Head Coach of the University of Detroit and Alcorn State Lady Braves.
Head Coach and GM James Wade has nothing but high praise for Edwards when speaking about her in the Sky press; he can be quoted saying:
“We are happy to announce the addition of Tonya Edwards to our coaching staff,” Wade said. “Tonya brings a wealth of experience as a player and as a coach. She has championship experience and that’s something that we always appreciate having. Tonya is someone who I’ve known for a while and I’ve always admired the way she worked with players and the way she approached the game.”
Edwards who hasn’t coached in the WNBA since 2018 had this to say about joining the Sky coaching personnel:
“I am elated and honored for the opportunity afforded to me by the Sky organization and Coach Wade,” Edwards said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the Alter Group, coaching staff, and these world-class ladies as we strive to bring a championship to Chicago.”
Adding Tonya Edwards to the Sky with Olaf Lange will most definitely give Head Coach James a head start on how to incorporate Candace Parker into an already established team. Just like Edwards; Lange has also won championships with Parker as the Head Coach of Ummc Ekaterinburg.
When talking about his formed coaching staff, James Wade had this to say:
“We’re happy and now we feel like a more complete coaching staff,” Wade said. “Now, we’re ready to rock and roll.”
As Chicago continues to solidify their team; it is without a doubt that Chicago is not just looking good but scary good.
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