The Chicago Sky announced over the weekend that Bridget Pettis has resigned from her position as assistant coach effective immediately.
Pettis plans on focusing her time on her nonprofit Project Roots AZ based in Phoenix. The nonprofit focuses on ways to educate the community on growing their own food through educational programs. Aimed at supporting local homeless, Project Roots provides mobile kitchen services, collects hygiene items and clothing to aid those in need.
Bridget Pettis is stepping away from the WNBA. Pettis will put her focus on her community in Phoenix, AZ, where she founded the nonprofit Project Roots AZ.
See full press release here: https://t.co/cw0SP6K7hY pic.twitter.com/c6847mmW7U— Project Roots AZ (@ProjectRoots1) July 4, 2020
“We will miss Bridget and wish her all in her future endeavors,” said Sky head coach and General Manager James Wade. “With everything that has happened in 2020, this has been a rocky year for everyone, but we will do as everyone else has continued to do and that is continue to push forward. We look forward to coming together as a group and doing what we love down in Florida.”
Pettis has been involved with the league since the beginning. The 20-year WNBA was originally drafted as the No. 7 overall pick in the 1997 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury where she played for eight seasons. She also played for the Indiana Fever.
The 20 year vet and two-time WNBA champion joined Wade’s staff in his first season with the Sky in 2018. She began her coaching career with the Mercury from 2006 to 2009. From 2014-2017, Pettis coached the Tulsa Shock before her time in Chicago.
Wade’s two other assistant coaches Olaf Lange and Emre Vatansever will be with the team down in Florida. The team’s PR Rep Kelly Kane will work remotely from Chicago. The 22-game WNBA season is scheduled to tip following training camp on July 24 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.