Staying Even During Chaos

Introduction to Tyler Marsh

LAS VEGAS — Sky head coach Tyler Marsh doesn’t think it’s a coincidence that during the toughest time of his first season he finds himself here. Las Vegas is where Aces coach Becky Hammon first recruited him to the WNBA. She hired him to her staff to help elevate the Aces to the best team in the league. It’s also where the Sky found him, setting him on the path to this moment.

The Current Challenge

And this moment has been — to put it lightly — a challenge. On Wednesday, an interview in which his star player, Angel Reese, questioned the Sky’s direction went viral. It caught Marsh by surprise and has led to extended fallout. In the locker room, players met with Reese, who apologized. In the outside world, a massive social-media frenzy ensued. Then the Sky suspended Reese for the first half of their game Sunday against the Aces. She eventually sat the whole game because of a back injury.

Maintaining Consistency

Not easy material for a rookie head coach, especially one who appeared to have little say in the disciplinary decision. Still, Marsh insists on seeing purpose in the chaos. He believes that we are all where we are supposed to be. And this moment has reminded him that none of us is above the fray. ‘‘We are all subject to go through adversity in different forms at different times — sometimes together, sometimes individually,’’ he said.

The Role of Faith

Marsh isn’t one to forget his faith. But if he ever does, some reminders are etched into his skin. Inside his forearm, under a cross, is one of his favorite psalms: ‘‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight.’’ It’s a verse a college pastor opened every sermon with and one Marsh tries to translate into his coaching. He wants players to see him as transparent and consistent.

Steadiness as a Coach

Even — and especially — when things get tough. ‘‘I can’t switch up who I am as things get tougher,’’ he told the Sun-Times. One of Marsh’s defining qualities is his steadiness. A shy kid who moved often, he felt he wasn’t in one place long enough to react to the positives or the negatives. That even keel has carried into his coaching. He doesn’t get too high or too low, his ejection from a game against the Sun or league-leading five technical fouls notwithstanding.

Season Challenges

Marsh recognizes even those outbursts as the other side of the even plane. When you project an external calm, you end up harboring and internalizing a lot. This season has given him plenty to harbor and internalize, even before this past week. The Sky fell well short of their playoff expectations and were rarely healthy. ‘‘That’s kind of been the tale of this year,’’ Marsh said after an 80-66 loss to the Aces, during which neither of his two leading scorers played. ‘‘When we feel like we have rhythm and consistency, there’s been another change to the lineup.’’

Finding Grace and Resolve

That volatility has made his faith more necessary. It has given him grace for himself and his team and the resolve to keep moving forward. ‘‘There’s a ton of areas that I need help with and guidance with, and [God has] been able to carry me through,’’ he said. On his arm, another tattoo serves as a reminder: Celebrate the wins. In the midst of a difficult season, he thinks it’s important to appreciate the blessings that are there.

Appreciation for Blessings

For Marsh, one of those blessings is his history in Las Vegas, where his WNBA journey started. After shootaround, he lingered on the court, catching up with Aces staff. Before the game, he admitted he couldn’t talk about Hammon, his mentor, without getting emotional, and Hammon said they are like family. Clearly, that bond transcends space and time. There are many other blessings on his team, too, not the least of which is that many of his players see exactly whom he is trying to be.

Player Respect

‘‘He’s honestly been the constant in a season of chaos,’’ forward Micheala Onyenwere said after the game. ‘‘He’s been extremely consistent. That’s one thing I really respect about him.’’

Conclusion

Tyler Marsh’s approach to coaching, especially during challenging times, showcases his commitment to consistency and faith. His ability to remain steady and find purpose in adversity is a testament to his character and leadership. As the Sky navigate through a difficult season, Marsh’s resolve and appreciation for the blessings in his life and team are crucial in maintaining a positive and forward-looking attitude.

FAQs

1. What is the current challenge facing Tyler Marsh and the Sky?
   The Sky are dealing with the fallout from an interview where star player Angel Reese questioned the team’s direction, leading to her suspension and a significant social media reaction.
2. How does Tyler Marsh approach adversity?
   Marsh believes in staying consistent and true to himself, even in difficult times. He finds purpose in chaos and relies on his faith to guide him through challenges.
3. What role does faith play in Tyler Marsh’s coaching?
   Faith is a significant part of Marsh’s life and coaching philosophy. He tries to translate his faith into his coaching by being transparent and consistent, and he finds grace and resolve through his beliefs.
4. How do players perceive Tyler Marsh’s coaching style?
   Players, like forward Micheala Onyenwere, respect Marsh for his consistency and steadiness, even in a season marked by chaos and challenges.
5. What is the significance of Las Vegas to Tyler Marsh’s career?
   Las Vegas is where Marsh’s WNBA journey began, as it is where Aces coach Becky Hammon first recruited him. It holds a special place in his career and personal growth as a coach.