Angel Reese is a prominent American basketball player, celebrated for her remarkable skills and achievements on the court. Born on May 6, 2002, Reese has made significant strides in her basketball career, from her collegiate years to her professional endeavors. This article delves into various facets of her life, including her academic background, athletic journey, personal interests, and the challenges she has faced along the way.
Early Life and Education
Angel Reese hails from Baltimore, Maryland, where she attended St. Frances Academy. During her high school years, she showcased exceptional talent in basketball, earning recognition as a McDonald’s All-American in 2020. Her prowess on the court led to her ranking as the number two player in her class by ESPN, highlighting her as one of the nation’s top prospects.
Following her high school success, Reese committed to the University of Maryland, joining the Maryland Terrapins women’s basketball team. Her freshman season in 2020-21, however, was interrupted by a fractured right foot, limiting her playing time. Despite this setback, she demonstrated resilience and determination, returning to the court to make significant contributions to her team.
Collegiate Career and Achievements
After recovering from her injury, Angel Reese made a substantial impact in her sophomore year at Maryland, earning third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press. Her performance caught the attention of the LSU Tigers, leading to her transfer to Louisiana State University (LSU) for her junior season.
At LSU, Reese’s career soared to new heights. She became a unanimous first-team All-American selection and played a pivotal role in leading the Tigers to their first national championship in 2023. Her outstanding performance throughout the tournament earned her the Most Outstanding Player award. Notably, she set the NCAA single-season record for double-doubles and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) single-season record for rebounds, underscoring her dominance on the court.
In her senior year, Reese continued to excel, being named the SEC Player of the Year and securing All-American honors once again. She led LSU to the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA tournament, where they faced a rematch against Iowa, the team they had defeated in the previous year’s national championship game. Despite a valiant effort, LSU fell short in this encounter.
Transition to Professional Basketball
Angel Reese declared for the 2024 WNBA draft and was selected as the seventh overall pick by the Chicago Sky. She made an immediate impact in her rookie season, earning a spot in the WNBA All-Star Game. Reese set a league single-season record for rebounds, showcasing her relentless work ethic and tenacity. Her ability to secure double-doubles consistently highlighted her as one of the league’s rising stars.
Unfortunately, her rookie season was cut short due to a hairline fracture in her wrist, sustained during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks on September 6, 2024. Despite this injury, Reese’s contributions to the team were significant, and her future in professional basketball remains promising.
Off-Court Ventures and Personal Interests
Beyond basketball, Angel Reese has ventured into various business interests. She is represented by agent Jeanine Ogbonnaya of the Clearview Group and has signed with The Society Management to oversee her fashion endeavors. Reese’s marketability soared during her collegiate career, with her name, image, and likeness (NIL) valuation surpassing $1 million, making her one of the highest-earning college athletes in this regard.
Her endorsement deals include partnerships with prominent brands such as Reebok, Amazon, Bose, Coach, Discord, Outback Steakhouse, Sonic, TurboTax, Wingstop, and Xfinity. In October 2023, she signed an endorsement deal with Reebok, becoming the first signing under the company’s new president of basketball, Shaquille O’Neal. Reese’s appeal extends beyond the basketball court, as she has established a substantial social media following, which grew rapidly after her junior season in college.
In July 2023, Reese launched the Angel C. Reese Foundation, aiming to empower girls through sports, education, and financial literacy. She also became a part-owner of the USL Super League professional soccer team DC Power FC in May 2024, demonstrating her commitment to promoting women’s sports and providing opportunities for young athletes.
Reese’s nickname, “Bayou Barbie,” reflects her vibrant personality and style, which she embraced during her time at LSU. She filed for a trademark on the nickname during her first season at LSU but was initially denied. Upon joining the Chicago Sky, she adopted the nickname “Chi-Town Barbie” or “Chi Barbie,” resonating with her new city’s culture. In August 2024, Reese signed a sponsorship deal with Reese’s, leading to an apparel collection and further solidifying her brand identity.
In September 2024, Reese expanded her presence in the media landscape by starting a podcast called “Unapologetically Angel” on the Playmaker network. The podcast provides a platform for her to share her experiences, insights, and engage with fans on various topics beyond basketball.
In February 2025, Reese collaborated with McDonald’s on a special meal named after her, launching on February 10. The Angel Reese Special consists of a quarter pounder with cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce, accompanied by medium fries and a medium soft drink. This collaboration marked a significant milestone, as Reese became the first female athlete to have a meal named after her by McDonald’s.
Challenges and Resilience
Angel Reese’s journey has not been without challenges. In November 2023, during her final season at LSU, she took a two-week hiatus from the team, leading to rumors and speculation about her absence. In her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” she later clarified that the break was for mental health reasons, with the approval of LSU coach Kim Mulkey. Reese emphasized that her absence was to recuperate mentally and refuted claims about poor grades or suspension.