Sydney Taylor is the last woman standing.
The Sky cut eight players in the last week. They cut their 2025 draft picks, Hailey Van Lith, Maddy Westbeld and Aicha Coulibaly. They cut their second and third-round picks from 2026, Latasha Lattimore and Tonie Morgan.
And they cut all of their training camp invitees.
Except Taylor.
An undrafted guard from a mid-major program is now one of the Sky’s final 12.
This could be the group that travels to Portland for their regular-season opener against the Fire.
But there is still one more practice before rosters are due May 7. Another day for the organization to make a move. An eternity before the final cut becomes official.
So how does it feel? To be one day away from a dream come true?
“Nerve-racking,” Taylor said. “Living in uncertainty is very difficult for me. Not knowing what my next move will be, what their next move will be, it’s difficult, I’m not gonna lie. But I’m coming here with the same mentality every day. Do what I do.
“… I know I’ve put in the work to be here. I know I deserve that spot. I’m going to keep fighting.”
Taylor has impressed throughout camp with her scoring and confidence. She erupted for 24 points in the team’s final preseason game against the Dream.
“I haven’t really had the platform, the opportunity to showcase my skills,” Taylor said. “Going out there those first two preseason games and showing people what I can do, making a name for myself — I’m excited.”
Her athleticism and shotmaking stood out on film when the front office scouted her. She’s brought even more to the table in person.
Assistant coach Latricia Trammell singled out Taylor as someone who has picked up defensive schemes quickly.
Taylor, 24, credited that to her time overseas. After graduation she played in Lithuania and then Poland — experience she believes prepared her for her first WNBA training camp.
“Picking up things fast,” Taylor said. “A lot of defenses, code names thrown at you. I think people coming out of college may not know that and may struggle to adjust this fast.”
Making this Sky team would be a significant accomplishment for Taylor. The roster is deeper and more talented than last year’s, with a realistic shot at the playoffs.
There are still plenty of reasonable doubts about this team. Will all the pieces fit together? All eight guards? Three floor generals older than 34? Key players still working their way back from injury?
None of that is Taylor’s problem right now. She’s just trying to make the team.
“I know there’s a million and one ways to get to the WNBA,” Taylor said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get here. I’m happy I’m here right now.”
Notes from the WNBA’s annual general manager survey:
• Sky forward Rickea Jackson tied with the Storm’s Dominique Malonga as the player most likely to have a breakout season, receiving 15% of the votes.
• The Sky ranked second behind the Wings in most improved team, receiving 20% of the votes.
• Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot ranked second behind the Aces’ Chelsea Gray as the player most likely to make the best head coach someday, with 17% of the vote.
• The Sky were notably absent from the teams with the most promising young core. The Wings and Storm tied for first at 31%, followed by the Mystics at 23% and the Fever at 15%.
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