Chicago Sky players lament 'disgusting' vitriol they've received on social media this year: 'It's so hurtful'

The WNBA has received unprecedented attention this year, leading to much more criticism of its players.

Members of the Chicago Sky said they had never received so much hate and harassment until this season.

“I’ll be honest, it was tough. It was really tough,” Dana Evans said Thursday night after the season finale. “We’re professionals. We know we can play this game, but when you have people who are supposed to be our supporters who are constantly criticizing you, I feel like it’s a little slap in the face.”

“It was quite difficult to deal with. It was really disgusting.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Chicago Sky logo on the court before Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA Today Sports)

“But I always say God doesn't make mistakes, and this season has really tested my mentality. And I feel like I'll be a lot better next season, just mentally, ready for anything.”

Her teammate, Isabelle Harrison, fought back tears as she spoke of the “intolerance and racism” she had seen on social media.

“I’ve never experienced this much hate and harassment, this whole season,” Harrison said. “I’m emotional about it. It’s hard because it never should have happened like this. You just want to play basketball. If it’s online, it’s online. But now you’re tagged. I have to block people all the time, and people are just telling stories about you. It’s hurtful. And it’s hard to just focus on basketball.”

Chicago Sky forward Isabelle Harrison reacts after a foul was called on June 16, 2024, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Jacob Musselman/For IndyStar/USA Today Network)

FEVER PLAYERS CREDIT CAITLIN CLARK FOR POPULARITY AFTER RECORD WNBA OUTLOOK: 'WE APPRECIATE HER FOR THAT'

“I appreciate the new perspective, but if it comes with hate and bigotry and racism and even people who look like me criticizing me, keep that offline because it’s very hurtful, and you don’t know how it affects people. I just think it’s something that a lot of new fans should be aware of, and we don’t want that to carry over into the locker room.”

“You just have to try to stay away from all that,” she added. “Even when you don’t use it anymore, it still happens. I get a lot of support from it, but when you get that much negativity and you have a job to do… you just have to tune it out.”

Sky recruit Angel Reese said earlier this month that she had faced “racism” and “death threats”, including from Caitlin Clark's fans. But Evans said even Sky fans had criticised the team.

“If you support Sky, support Sky,” she said. “I feel like it was a big deal. It messes with your mentality. I don’t care what level you are or what’s going on. You’re going to see things, you’re going to read things. But this, this has made us better and a lot stronger here.”

Chicago Sky goalkeeper Dana Evans dribbles the ball on June 16, 2024, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Jacob Musselman/USA Today Network)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Sky failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing 10th out of 12 teams. The top eight teams qualify for the playoffs.

Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.