Sky guard Sydney Taylor is one day away from a dream come true

Sydney Taylor is the last woman standing.

The Sky cut eight players in the last week. They cut 2025 draft picks Hailey Van Lith, Maddy Westbeld and Aicha Coulibaly. They cut 2026 second- and third-round picks Latasha Lattimore and Tonie Morgan. And they cut all their training-camp invitees.

Except Taylor, that is. An undrafted guard from a mid-major program (UMass) is now one of the Sky’s final 12.

This could be the group that travels to Portland, Oregon, for the regular season opener Saturday against the expansion Fire.

But there is still one more practice before rosters are due Thursday. Another day for the organization to make a move. An eternity before the final cut becomes official.

So how does it feel to be one day away from a dream come true?

‘‘Nerve-racking,’’ Taylor said. ‘‘Living in uncertainty is very difficult for me. Not knowing what my next move will be, what their next move will be, it’s difficult. I’m not gonna lie. But I’m coming here with the same mentality every day: Do what I do.

‘‘I know I’ve put in the work to be here. I know I deserve that spot. I’m going to keep fighting.’’

Taylor has impressed throughout camp with her scoring and confidence. She erupted for 24 points in the Sky’s final preseason game last Wednesday against the Dream.

‘‘I haven’t really had the platform, the opportunity to showcase my skills,’’ Taylor said. ‘‘Going out there those first two preseason games and showing people what I can do, making a name for myself, I’m excited.’’

Her athleticism and shot-making stood out on film when the front office scouted her. She has brought even more to the table in person.

Assistant coach Latricia Trammell singled out Taylor as someone who has picked up defensive schemes quickly.

Taylor, 24, credited that to her time overseas. After graduation she played in Lithuania, then Poland — experience she thinks prepared her for her first WNBA camp.

‘‘Picking up things fast,’’ Taylor said. ‘‘A lot of defenses, code names thrown at you. I think people coming out of college may not know that and may struggle to adjust this fast.’’

Making the Sky would be a significant accomplishment for Taylor. The roster is deeper and more talented than it was last season, and the team has a realistic shot at making the playoffs.

There are still plenty of reasonable doubts about the Sky, however. Will all the pieces fittogether? All eight guards? Three floor generals older than 34? Key players still working their way back from injury?

None of that is Taylor’s problem right now. She’s just trying to make the team.

‘‘I know there’s a million and one ways to get to the WNBA,’’ Taylor said. ‘‘I’ll do whatever it takes to get here. I’m happy I’m here right now.’’

Notes from the WNBA’s annual general manager survey:

Sky forward Rickea Jackson tied with Dominique Malonga as the player most likely to have a breakout season, receiving 15% of the votes.

• The Sky ranked second behind the Wings in most improved team, getting 20% of the votes.

• Sky point guard Courtney Vandersloot ranked second behind Chelsea Gray as the player most likely to make the best coach someday, getting 17% of the votes.

• The Sky were notably absent from the teams with the most promising young core. The Wings and Storm tied for first at 31%, followed by the Mystics at 23% and the Fever at 15%.