With the fifth overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft the Sky selected forward Cheyenne Parker out of Middle Tennessee State. Parker joins the Sky coming off a trip to the 2014 WNBA Finals after a historic playoff run.
As Parker prepares for the 2015 season, she knows there will be a big change from the college game, but says she is prepared for whatever challenge comes her way including the change of pace in the WNBA compared to college.
“I’ve been preparing for [the pace of the WNBA] and have had a trainer working with me since I finished college ball,” Parker said. “It’s going to be a whole new pace [in the WNBA], so I’ve been lucky to come to Chicago a few days early to get adjusted before everything gets going.”
From the moment Parker arrived in Chicago she began her preseason workouts with 18-year NBA veteran and Sky Assistant Coach Tree Rollins. Parker says that Coach Rollins has taught her about the mental aspects of the game as well as the physical facets that may be different in the WNBA.
“It’s been great [to work with Coach Rollins],” Parker said. “[Coach Rollins] has been pushing me to another level and has bigger expectations for me right away.”
Being drafted fifth overall and joining the Sky is a tremendous thrill for the rookie forward who has spent the better part of her basketball career looking up to the likes of new teammate Elena Delle Donne and Candace Parker, current Los Angeles Sparks forward and Chicago native. Parker says she looks forward to playing with, and against, these outstanding athletes day in and day out considering that at one time it was only a dream.
“I’m most looking forward to be playing with Elena [Delle Donne] because I’ve watched her play since she was at Delaware,” Parker said. “So, the fact that I’m going to be on the court with her and be on the same team is crazy.”
The team will play its exhibition opener at the Bob Carpenter Center in Delaware on Friday, May 22nd at 6:00 p.m. CT against the New York Liberty. The Sky rounds out preseason play with a two-day tournament at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. The Sky will play the Los Angeles Sparks at 4:00 p.m. on May 27th and the Chinese Olympic Team at 5:00 p.m. on the 28th.
Fans can see Parker in action against the Indiana Fever in the Sky’s home opener on June 5th at 7:30pm. For tickets call 866.SKY.WNBA