Julia Poe

Julia is the Chicago Bulls reporter for the Chicago Tribune. She previously covered Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride for the Orlando Sentinel. A native of Kansas City, she graduated from the University of Southern California.

Sky guard Rachel Banham, third from right, talks to her teammates after a preseason game against the Dream on April 29, 2026, at Wintrust Arena. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Sky focused on growth — and winning ugly — in opening 4-game trip: ‘It’s just about staying together’

May 9, 2026 at 5:42 p.m.

Between injuries and newcomers, the Chicago Sky aren't trying to rush the process of a reimagined roster that will be put to the test with a season-opening four-game trip.

New Chicago Sky players Rickea Jackson, left, and Skylar Diggins laugh as they answer questions during an introductory news conference April 15, 2026, at The Metropolitan in the Loop. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Can the Chicago Sky redefine themselves in 2026? What to know about the new-look roster before the opener.

May 8, 2026 at 4:54 p.m.

The Chicago Sky are back this weekend — but this team will be hardly recognizable, even for longtime fans.

New Bulls vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham enters ahead of an introductory news conference Wednesday, May 6, 2026m at the Advocate Center. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

Bryson Graham embraces change and is eager to dig in on Chicago Bulls rebuild: ‘We’re going to get out the mud’

May 6, 2026 at 4:52 p.m.

The Chicago Bulls hope new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham will bring a fresh perspective ahead of the 2026-27 season — and beyond.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) and Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) greet one another just before tipoff of a preseason game at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on April 29, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Angel Reese feels the love from Chicago Sky fans — and gives it back — in her return with Atlanta Dream

April 29, 2026 at 10:24 p.m.

It was a quick turnaround, but Angel Reese returned to Chicago, this time as a member of the Atlanta Dream. There's no animosity, but Wednesday night was the two sides...

The Sky’s Rickea Jackson protects the ball during practice Monday, April 20, 2026, at the UIC Flames Athletic Center. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Rickea Jackson is embracing a clean slate with the Chicago Sky: ‘They get who I am’

April 24, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

When trade negotiations began, Rickea Jackson was offered the opportunity to provide a list of preferred landing spots — and a voice in a final Chicago Sky deal.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan gives direction during a game against the Pacers on April 1, 2026, at the United Center. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago Bulls anchored their future to Billy Donovan. What happens now that he left?

April 22, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Reinsdorfs have cleaned house only three times in the family’s long history with the Chicago Bulls. Billy Donovan’s decision forces them to focus on the executive position first.

Chicago Sky players Skylar Diggins, Courtney Vandersloot and Maddy Westbeld chat on the sidelines during practice at UIC Athletic Center on April 20, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Courtney Vandersloot says Chicago Sky — ‘under a microscope’ with Angel Reese — can return to winning identity

April 21, 2026 at 7:47 p.m.

Courtney Vandersloot hopes to rebuild the Chicago Sky's championship identity after a tumultuous offseason that included the trade of Angel Reese.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan exits after a 127-103 loss to the Magic on April 10, 2026, at the United Center. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Billy Donovan steps down as Chicago Bulls coach after 6 seasons

April 21, 2026 at 10:14 a.m.

Billy Donovan is stepping down as coach of the Chicago Bulls, leaving another key vacancy after the dismissal of their top basketball executives.

From right, Chicago Sky forward Azura Stevens, general manager Jeff Pagliocca, and head coach Tyler Marsh attend a news conference during at a Chicago Sky draft watch party at Revolution Brewing on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

What we learned at Chicago Sky training camp, including injuries for DiJonai Carrington and Azurá Stevens

April 20, 2026 at 7:43 p.m.

The Chicago Sky started training camp with five key players off the court, including DiJonai Carrington and Azurá Stevens.

Sky coach Tyler Marsh, left, and general manager Jeff Pagliocca speak after a news conference for their new players at The Metropolitan on April 15, 2026, at Willis Tower. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Did the Chicago Sky give up shots at JuJu Watkins and Sarah Strong by trading their next 2 1st-round picks?

April 17, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Chicago Sky don't own their first-round pick in the next two WNBA drafts — a calculated risk from a front office known to gamble.

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