The Chicago Sky, facing a series of injuries to key players, has signed guard Saylor Poffenbarger to a hardship contract. This move comes as the team prepares for their matchup against the Toronto Tempo, with several players sidelined, including Rickea Jackson, who is out for the season with an ACL tear, and Gabriella Jaquez, who will miss the next game due to a knee injury.

Poffenbarger’s Journey to the WNBA

Poffenbarger, who went undrafted in the 2026 WNBA Draft, is seizing this opportunity to make an impact at the professional level. She initially signed a training camp contract with the Minnesota Lynx, where she showcased her skills by averaging 5.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block per game during the preseason. Her standout performance included a debut game with 9 points and 13 rebounds.

Her collegiate career was marked by versatility and growth. Poffenbarger spent two seasons at the University of Maryland, where she became a key player in the Big Ten Conference. Last season, she averaged 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, leading the Terrapins to the NCAA Tournament. One of her most memorable college performances was a double-overtime victory against Minnesota, where she scored a career-high 30 points.

From College to Professional Play

Before her time at Maryland, Poffenbarger began her college career at the University of Connecticut and later transferred to the University of Arkansas. During her tenure with the Razorbacks, she was recognized as one of the SEC’s top young players, earning five SEC Freshman of the Week honors and a spot on the All-SEC Freshman Team.

Now, with a strong preseason performance and extensive collegiate experience, Poffenbarger is ready to contribute to the Chicago Sky as they navigate the challenges of the WNBA season. She will be available to play in the upcoming game against the Tempo, offering the team much-needed depth in the backcourt.

Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.