“So Grateful for You”: Connecticut Sun Players Flood Ex-Coach With Wishes as WNBA Franchise Suffers Another Blow

The Connecticut Sun had a solid season, finishing third in the standings after the regular season. They made it to the semifinals but were ultimately eliminated by Minnesota in the decisive game of their five-game series. While their playoff exit raised some questions about the future, only a few anticipated a major shake-up in the coaching staff. However, that’s exactly what happened. Following the departure of head coach Stephanie White, another coach from the staff also left, prompting emotional reactions from players on social media.

Keith Porter, the Connecticut Sun’s player development coach, has decided to part ways with the team after two seasons at Mohegan Arena. Porter announced his decision on Instagram, expressing his gratitude with a heartfelt thank-you note to the franchise and the players he had the privilege of working with.

Porter tweeted on X and mentioned, “Thank You CT! These last two seasons with the Sun has been an amazing journey. From the front office, to the fans, and all the awesome young athletes of Sun Academy- I’m forever grateful for you guys. To have been able to learn and grow together in these last two years has been an absolute blessing. I never would have thought working for a professional organization wouldn’t feel like a job but a family gathering!”

Porter’s role as the Connecticut Sun’s player development coach marked one of his first major professional coaching opportunities. He joined the team in 2023 and played a key role in training and developing players over two consecutive seasons, helping the Sun secure playoff berths both years.

In response to his departure, the Sun players showered the love under his exit announcement post. A Connecticut-based reporter also highlighted the comments by sharing the snapshots on social media.

Emotional Farewells: Connecticut Sun players reflect on Keith Porter’s impact

DiJonai Carrington, a consistent contributor to the Sun’s success in recent years, left a heartfelt comment reflecting the strong bond she shared with Porter. She wrote, “Real tearssss mannnnlocked in for the long haul, my guy! but gon miss you and our game day workouts, our gospel music sesh’s & real life chats. get in that thank YOU! that weight room tho! thank YOU!“

In his post, Porter expressed how much he would miss the conversations and friendly trash talk with the players, adding that watching them give their all on the court was a blessing. He responded to Carrington’s comment, sharing that he would miss her as well and felt the same way. Veronica Burton, who played for the Sun last season before being drafted by the Golden State Valkyries for next year, also shared her emotions, expressing how grateful she was to have had Porter as a coach.

Burton wrote, “one of a kindddd !!! Grateful for someone like you makin me feel welcome from day one. God’s got you!” Porter responded with a message hinting that he would continue to support her in the future. Veteran DeWanna Bonner also shared her thoughts, remaining hopeful that their bond would remain strong despite Porter’s departure. She wrote, “You already know what it is! My guy! Locked in for life!”

Porter played a crucial role in helping players reach their full potential, as evidenced by Tyasha Harris’ heartfelt message: “Sheesh this one hurts Keith. Thank you for everything. Real talks, motivational speeches and just checking on me in general. You knew the real and kept it 100 all the time. You pushed me everyday and challenged me in different ways. Gonna miss you !! Not to much on the other side.” 

Olivia Nelson-Ododa, a key bench player for the Sun over the past two seasons, also shared her appreciation: “KEITH! So grateful for you. 4L!” While many players who spent at least one season with Porter expressed their gratitude, Marina Mabrey, who joined the Sun mid-season and played a pivotal role in their playoff push, also voiced her emotions. She posted under Porter’s farewell, writing, “The best! I will miss you!” followed by four red-heart emojis, highlighting the strong connection they formed in just a short time together.

With the recent appointment of Rachid Meziane as their new head coach, the Sun will likely bring in a new face as their player development coach to their staff. It will be intriguing to see how the players adjust to these changes, especially after the close bonds they formed with the coaches who have now departed.