Azurá Stevens’ Determined Return to Chicago Sky After Injury
In the early weeks of the Chicago Sky’s season, Azurá Stevens felt frustrated. The veteran forward was tired of being on the sidelines. After a bone bruise ended her Unrivaled season, she spent months off the court. The free-agency period was challenging, coupled with her rehabilitation. Watching her teammates play earlier this month exacerbated her feelings. Stevens shared her frustrations with Courtney Vandersloot, a long-time teammate since 2020. Recovery was tedious. Her knee was painful. The process seemed never-ending.
Vandersloot understood. At 37, she was 11 months into her own recovery from a torn ACL, her first major injury in her lengthy career. Her advice was simple: persevere. Progress felt distant. Yet those words provided limited comfort as Stevens watched from the bench during the Sky’s first win of the season. The monotony of rehab was stifling. However, as Stevens reentered on Saturday at Wintrust Arena, she saw the championship banner — her victory with the Sky. The sight of fans, both new and familiar, affirmed Vandersloot’s advice.
Stevens’ Resilience
Stevens expressed, “Even though there’s a day-to-day grind and it can be taxing, if you keep stacking days, you will reach your goals.” Her return was a blessing. Her WNBA journey had been marred by injuries. In 2019, foot surgery followed nine games. The next year, a left knee injury ended her season. Subsequent seasons were interrupted by back, arm, and knee injuries. Last season was a breakthrough. She played and started every regular-season game for the Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 28.4 minutes in 44 games. Post-season, an unfortunate collision led to a bone bruise.
Bone bruises differ from other injuries. They indicate a severe impact rather than fragility. Supplements and exercises can alleviate pressure, but time is the sole healer. Stevens rested, spent time with family, and vacationed in Jamaica. Yet, her inability to play gnawed at her deeply as her team competed. “This one has tested my patience the most because of the nature of the injury,” Stevens admitted. “But every injury has a purpose. They teach me and help me grow.”
New Era in Recovery
With experience in injury recovery, Stevens noticed changes at Chicago. The Sky hired Jess Cohen as director of health and human performance, and introduced eight new staffers, including athletic trainers and a massage therapist. Previously, the team valued recovery but lacked resources. Now, Stevens didn’t need external help. Even when an outside therapist was used, Chicago’s new training location at UIC facilitated logistics. She felt confident in experts like Cohen, who brought NBA experience.
“They’re not just winging it,” Stevens noted. “Having the new staff is comforting. The growth here influenced my decision to return.” Despite her court return, she isn’t fully back. Her minutes are restricted. During the game against the Toronto Tempo on May 27, 2026, she played cautiously and focused on efficiency. “I’m not playing 40 minutes making mistakes,” Stevens commented. “You must focus on small details.”
Looking Forward
The minutes restriction challenges both Stevens and coach Tyler Marsh. Limited to 16 minutes per game, Stevens can play about four minutes each quarter. Marsh attempted to optimize her success within these limits. “You try not to overdo it,” Marsh explained. Balancing her presence can disrupt team momentum.
Both Marsh and Stevens understand these limits are temporary. Gradually, Stevens will play full minutes of 25 to 28 per game, with no fixed timeline. Eventually, the team will rely on their star. For now, patience and effort remain crucial.