Sky fans hope to see continued growth from team, star player Angel Reese
Lorri Gyenes has been a Sky season-ticket holder for nearly as long as the team has existed.
Back when they played at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, she would organize tailgates and introduce fans to each other. It earned her the nickname ‘‘The Mayor of Skytown.’’
On Monday, Gyenes joined hundreds of other fans — new and old — to watch the WNBA Draft at the Sky’s official draft party at Revolution Brewing in Avondale on the Northwest Side. While some fans said they hope to see the Sky in the playoffs this year — and improved offensive output from star Angel Reese — others think the team is pointed in the right direction and just want to see continued growth.
‘‘I hope we make the playoffs, but I’d just like to see them have a lot of energy, good effort and having a good time together playing as a team,’’ Gyenes said.
As the picks rolled in, fans clad in Sky swag enjoyed pulled-pork sandwiches, chicken wings and veggie quesadillas. Tables were decorated with yellow and blue balloons and streamers.
Kim Patterson, who lives in the South Loop, said she’s optimistic after the additions of Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in the draft last year and hopes the team makes a push for the playoffs.
‘‘I’m super-excited to see the growth from them from their rookie season and excited to see whom we pick up tonight, as well,’’ Patterson said, adding that she bought season tickets for the first time for the upcoming season.
Patterson said she followed Reese’s performances in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, and is looking forward to seeing her bring her improved game to the WNBA.
‘‘She has a lot of growth from her experience there,’’ Patterson said. ‘‘She’s been really good with her ballhandling, with her mid-range shot, so I’m excited to see her bring that back for the Sky.’’
Joshua Janovsky and his wife have had season tickets for about a decade. While Janovsky said the idea for the tickets was initially his wife’s, he has grown to love the team and is now a loyal fan.
‘‘I think we’re headed in the right direction with the changes that are being made,’’ he said.
Janovsky hopes Reese can develop into a leader and keep showing improvement.
‘‘She’s an amazing talent, an amazing young lady, and I love her poise [and] the way she approaches gamesmanship,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m so happy that she’s on our team.’’
Manny Rodriguez, the founding executive director of the nonprofit Revolution Workshop, is also a longtime Sky fan. He thinks the team can make some noise this year.
‘‘I think we’re going to surprise some people and they’re going to get better,’’ he said. ‘‘You already saw that Angel is already better. If you watched the Unrivaled league, she’s put in the work.’’