Courtney Vandersloot is no stranger to television, having frequently appeared during her 14-year professional basketball career, which began after her time at Gonzaga University. However, her recent appearance marked a different kind of TV debut—last week, she made a brief acting guest spot on NBC’s “Chicago Med,” part of the network’s “Chicago One” trio of shows aired on Wednesday nights.
In the episode, Vandersloot visited the fictional Chicago Gaffney Medical Center to surprise a basketball player from the nearby fictional Cole University, who was about to undergo knee surgery. This resonated with Vandersloot personally, as she herself is recovering from ACL surgery after a WNBA game injury last summer. The doctor character had arranged this special encounter to lift the player’s spirits.
In a 39-second scene, the dialogue unfolded with the player expressing doubts about her basketball future and the doctor encouraging her by showing a photo of Vandersloot in a Chicago jersey. Vandersloot then appears, offering support by sharing her own story about overcoming her knee injury and promising to shoot hoops together once the player is ready. She also gifted the player a jersey, sealing the heartfelt moment with a hug.
The series, now in its 11th season, included Vandersloot’s name in the opening credits as a special guest. Interestingly, Vandersloot had her surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago—the same location where “Chicago Med” films its episodes. Yahoo Sports praised her performance as solid, adding a nice highlight to her basketball journey.
Approaching 37 years old next month, Vandersloot has been a WNBA mainstay since being the No. 3 overall draft pick in 2011. Known as one of the league’s top playmakers, she recently addressed speculation about her career after surgery, firmly stating her determination to return stronger, despite any doubts related to her age. Vandersloot has remained active in the Chicago community, living there with her wife, former teammate Allie Quigley, and their daughter born last May.
A two-time WNBA champion—winning titles with Chicago in 2011 and the New York Liberty in 2024—Vandersloot’s remarkable college career at Gonzaga included leading her team deep into the NCAA tournament and setting records as the first Division I player to accumulate 2,000 points and 1,000 assists. Her jersey was retired in Spokane three years ago, the first women’s jersey honored at Gonzaga’s McCarthy Athletic Center.
While her acting stint may not earn her awards, Vandersloot’s genuine and encouraging message on “Chicago Med” serves as inspiration for anyone facing knee injuries. Her story exemplifies resilience, offering hope to athletes striving to overcome setbacks and continue competing at a high level.
Fan Take: This heartwarming cameo is a testament to Vandersloot’s impact both on and off the court, reminding WNBA fans of her perseverance and dedication. It highlights the human side of athletes’ struggles and recovery, elevating stories like hers within the broader sports culture and inspiring future generations of players.
