Looking Skyward

Not quite sure why I keep thinking of the Chicago Sky and their out-of-left-field WNBA title.

Maybe it's a matter of context. The world is full of division and conflict amidst a lingering pandemic. Their championship stands in stark relief; a beacon of collaboration, unselfishness and perhaps even hope.

It was revealed last October that following their underachieving 2020/21 season, the Sky were as frustrated as their fans. Despite the arrival of a difference-maker (Candace Parker), they had struggled to a 16 and 16 record.

For a franchise still feeling the sting of Sylvia Fowles' and Elena Delle Donne's unceremonious departures, the arrival of free-agent Parker was a big deal. But after yielding such tepid results, it threatened to become another disappointment in a city grown used to them.

But the Sky embraced the maxim that the post-season is a new season—one where everybody is 0 - 0. And in that embrace, they re-committed to each other. They looked each other in the eye and said “I'm here for you. I'm playing for you.”

Forgive my bias, but it's a little hard to imagine a male team doing the same. As I imagine it, I see lots of finger-pointing. Accusations. Chest-puffing. Agitated calls to agents. “Get me out of here!”

Which is the exact opposite of what happened at Wintrust Arena.

The results speak volumes. The Sky went on an 8 – 2 run, beating statistically-superior teams in three consecutive rounds. I admit to not watching every post-season every professional sports franchise has ever embarked on, but the Sky's triumph was—if not singular—extraordinary.

Sport is rich in metaphor. Their ascent following an underachieving and potentially fractious regular season is the living embodiment of clear-eyed assessment. Of moving on. Of knowing how to re-boot. Of how to start fresh and finish strong.

Do I even need to spell out the lesson here for our ruptured civilization?

The Sky didn't win because they stomped around the lockeroom in a vain (and ultimately self-destructive) attempt to prove who the alpha dog was.

No.

They won because they regarded each each as equals and strengthened their bond. It was about we, not me. Unity—not control. They forged an identity as unbreakable as an ingot and handily defeated all comers.

You might construe this post as an editorial on toxic masculinity and I could only reply “perhaps.” Looking at a world largely created by men, I can't honestly say we kicked ass. In the most literal sense, yes. But in the larger one of creating a good and just and sustainable civilization?

Nope.

The most startling picture I ever saw was the one taken by the crew of Apollo 17. There was planet Earth in all its gorgeousness, hanging like a Christmas ornament and set against the infinite darkness of space.

(I mean, can you even imagine the effect it would have had on Galileo or Copernicus?)

And while man has expertly plundered its riches and created immense wealth for the few in the process, we haven't done such a great job of caring for it and, by extension, us.

So if the future is indeed female, fine. Maybe gender double-x can restore our humanity and bring to the table policy not centered on profit and control. And wouldn't it be the biggest kick in the ass ever if the Sky's championship helped light the way?

Just sayin'.