Allie Quigley has made a remarkable mark in Chicago’s basketball history. Over her 10-year tenure with the Chicago Sky, Quigley accumulated several firsts: she was the franchise’s first player to win the Sixth Woman of the Year award, the first in either the WNBA or NBA to win four All-Star 3-point contests, and most importantly, she captained the team to its inaugural WNBA championship in 2021.
On Wednesday night at Wintrust Arena, the Sky honored Quigley by retiring her No. 14 jersey, a tribute recognizing her immense contributions as a three-time All-Star and WNBA champion. She is the first player in Sky history to receive this honor, underscoring the deep and lasting impact she has had on the team and its Chicago community from 2013 to 2022.
A Joliet native who spent most of her career in the Chicagoland area, Quigley quietly built a legacy that was celebrated fully during the ceremony. Leading up to the game, fans were given towels with her jersey number, a tribute video was played, and the arena was filled with fans sporting her number on jerseys, shirts, and posters.
During the halftime ceremony, Quigley invited Sky owner Michael Alter and teammate Courtney Vandersloot to share their thoughts. Vandersloot, supporting herself on a crutch due to a season-ending ACL injury, emotionally reflected on Quigley’s shooting prowess, versatility, and her loyal, team-first mentality that every franchise hopes for in their players.
Quigley, in turn, spoke fondly about her career and partnership with Vandersloot and the Sky, emphasizing that she never considered playing for another team. Her name has become synonymous with the franchise. At 39, Quigley proudly recalled the unforgettable moment of winning Chicago’s first WNBA championship, a milestone near to her heart especially as she hails from just 40 miles away.
Joining the Sky in 2013, Quigley emerged as a sharpshooting leader, boasting a 39.4% career three-point shooting rate, which peaked at an impressive 45.4% during the 2021 championship season. She remains the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (504) and scored 3,723 points, although her scoring record was surpassed this season by Vandersloot.
Though Quigley has officially stepped away, her influence endures as Vandersloot returns to the team and continues to lead despite injury. Quigley’s farewell was gradual, culminating in her retirement announcement two years after her final WNBA contract. Earlier in 2023, she was inducted into DePaul’s Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing her as one of the most successful women’s basketball players in the school’s history.
With Quigley’s number now retired and displayed alongside her DePaul jersey at Wintrust Arena, her legacy as a trailblazer and beloved figure in Chicago basketball is firmly cemented.
Fan Take: This jersey retirement is a monumental moment for WNBA fans because it honors a player whose loyalty, skill, and leadership helped elevate the Chicago Sky from underdogs to champions. Celebrating Quigley’s legacy not only inspires current and future players but also highlights the growing recognition and respect for women’s basketball as a major sport.
