After an extensive six-week process in which the organization interviewed over a dozen strong candidates, the Chicago Sky has selected Amber Stocks as its Head Coach and General Manager.
“We are extremely excited to hand over the leadership of the team to Amber. Amber brings a youthful, positive energy along with a wealth of basketball knowledge. Her passion for the game and for teaching and developing players, along with her work ethic, communication skills, intellect and curiosity, separated her from the other candidates,” said Sky Owner Michael Alter. “She brings essential experience from assisting the evolution of the Los Angeles Sparks from contenders to champions.”
As an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks, Stocks helped turn around a franchise that went 14-20 in 2015 to 26-8 in 2016. Stocks was key in scouting and strategy preparation, spurring the Sparks’ run to 2016 WNBA Champions.
A long time collegiate women’s basketball coach, Stocks has taken her coaching expertise to television, appearing as a color analyst for men’s and women’s college basketball. As a transition out of collegiate coaching, Stocks worked as the Program Director and Head Coach for the Tucson HEAT Basketball Association (2009-13) in Arizona.
Most recently in the college ranks, Stocks spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Xavier University (2002-06, 2007-09). During her tenure with the Musketeers, she assisted in putting together five 20-win seasons and six national post-season appearances. Prior to joining Xavier, Stocks spent two seasons on staff at the University of Tennessee (2000-2002). She was part of two regular season SEC Championships and the team advanced to the 2002 Final Four. While at Tennessee, Stocks worked with an array of decorated Lady Vols and future WNBA standouts.
A four-year women’s basketball letter winner at University of Cincinnati, Stocks was a four-time Bearcat Scholar honoree, three-time Defensive Player Award recipient and helped lead the Bearcats to a Conference USA Championship. She played 116 games in her career, making 99 starts from 1995-99, and finished her career in the record books for multiple categories including games played and three-point shots made. Also while at UC, Stocks was an All-Conference track athlete, earning two letters in track and field and setting two school records.
“I am extremely honored to join the Chicago Sky family,” commented Sky Head Coach and General Manager Amber Stocks. “This is a special opportunity. As a native of the Midwest, I feel fortunate to return to the region with my family. I look forward to sharing my passion for basketball with this talented team of true professionals. Together, with the franchise leadership and our energized fans, I am excited to build on the recent momentum and grow our team’s success.”
Single-game tickets for 2017 Chicago Sky home game are on sale now, starting as low as $18. To purchase tickets, call 866.SKY.WNBA or click HERE.