The WNBA has been attracting more attention than ever before this year, and the criticism directed at its players has increased significantly.
Chicago Sky members said they had never experienced so much hate and harassment until this season.
“I'll be honest with you, it's been tough. It's been really tough,” Dana Evans said after the season finale on Thursday night. “We're professionals. We know we can compete in this game, but when you're constantly being attacked by people who are supposed to be our supporters, it does feel a little insulting.”
“That was kind of hard to deal with, it was really uncomfortable.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The Chicago Sky logo is displayed on the court before Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA Today Sports)
“But I always say God makes no mistakes. This season has challenged me to take my mental strength to another level, and I feel like next season I will be much better mentally and ready for anything.”
Teammate Isabel Harrison fought back tears as she spoke about the “bigotry and racism” she had seen on social media.
“I've never received so much hate and harassment this season,” Harrison said. “It's emotional. … It's hard because it shouldn't have happened this way. I just want to play basketball. If it's online, it's online. But now I'm being tagged. I have to block people all the time and everyone's making up a story about me. It's hurtful. It's hard to just focus on basketball.”
Chicago Sky forward Isabel Harrison reacts after being called for a foul during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Courtesy of Jacob Musselman/IndyStar/USA Today Network)
Fever player credits Caitlin Clark for surge in popularity after WNBA attendance record: “I'm so grateful to her”
“I appreciate new perspectives, but if this involves hate, bigotry, racism or even attacks from people who look like me, then please leave it offline. It's very hurtful and you never know what kind of effect it will have on people. I just think a lot of new fans should keep that in mind and we don't want to bring that into the locker room.”
“You just try to distance yourself from it,” she added. “Even if you do, it happens. I get a lot of support from it, but when you hear so much negativity and you have work to do, you just have to block it out.”
Sky rookie star Angel Reece said earlier this month that she had been the victim of “racism” and “death threats”, particularly from Caitlin Clarke fans, but Evans said even Sky fans were criticising the team.
“If you're rooting for Skye, root for Skye,” she said. “I think that was a big thing. It's mentally disturbing. It doesn't matter how good you are or what's going on. You're going to see a lot of stuff, you're going to read a lot of stuff. But it's made us better and stronger.”
Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans dribbles the ball during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Jacob Musselman/USA Today Network)
Click here to get the FOX News app
The Sky finished 10th in the 12-team league and missed out on the playoffs, with the top eight teams advancing to the postseason.
Follow Fox News Digital X's sports coverageSubscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
