Guard Kahleah Copper became a favorite among young fans after a video of her taking a selfie videos with several young fans before a Sky game circulated on Twitter earlier this season. But this wasn’t a one-time encounter.
Before every Sky game at Wintrust Arena, Copper can be found near the sideline snapping pictures and talking to young fans, who are often in packs wearing matching basketball T-shirts.
Copper genuinely enjoys interacting with fans because it wasn’t too long ago she was the young girl waiting on the edge of the court in hopes to get a play like former WNBA star Cappie Pondexter’s attention at Rutgers games.
“I can see myself in some of those kids,” Copper said Friday before the Sky played the Aces in Las Vegas. “I remember how it made me feel when my favorite player responded to me ... or gave me the time of day.”
Copper wears many hats for the Sky — being a team ambassador is just one of them.
During pregame, Copper facilitates handshakes with the five starters. It’s a role, center Stefanie Dolson said, was made for Copper.
“She’s a high-energy teammate,” Dolson said. “She’s always having fun with everyone, and clearly she has the best memory. She hasn’t messed on up all year.”
During games, Copper is an athletic, do-it-all guard who can spread the floor.
“For us to have someone like Kah who can come in and speed up the game a little bit, drive down people’s throats offensively and then defensively get up in them, it’s a huge advantage,” Dolson said.
Copper’s game has improved this season, which is her fourth in the WNBA. She’s reading defenses better and looking out for her teammates more. She leads the Sky’s bench, averaging 7.3 points.
“It goes to her work ethic,” coach James Wade said. “She’s become a more complete player.”
Copper is the type of player the Sky need. Along with being a natural leader and having a versatile skillset, Copper has the fun-loving personality that meshes well with her teammates and the Sky’s fanbase, which the organization desperately needs to grow.
But there’s a chance she might not be here next season.
Copper is in the last year of her rookie contract after the Sky exercised their team option last offseason.
Copper said she isn’t motivated by the idea she’s playing for a contract. She just wants to win a WNBA title.
“I don’t get all wrapped up in it,” she said. “I just take it day-by-day. I don’t want to put pressure on myself. I know what I’m capable of.”
Wade, who is also the Sky’s general manager, wouldn’t say much about the Sky’s six players whose contracts expire after this season. Asked about it, he said, “I like our roster” multiple times.
Copper is also a fan of the personnel on this team. She said it’s hard for people outside the locker room to comprehend the bond they’ve formed this season. Because of this, Copper would like to stay with the Sky beyond this season.
“If I could stay here forever with this group, it would be awesome for me,” she said. “And to win a championship with them, like these are like my sisters.”
