Give This Girl Her Flowers: WNBA Rookie Angel Reese is Worth Paying Attention To
Alright, so I’m not usually a sports fan, but there’s just something about Angel Reese, aka the Chi-Town Barbie, that demands attention. I found her through Flaujae, one of my fave young Hip Hop artists who happened to be on the same college team. Yes, Angel gets some negative press, but let’s be real—this girl is a marketing goldmine for the WNBA. Fans don’t just love the game; they fall head over heels for the athletes behind it. Angel knows how to grab our attention and make us look. Love it or hate it, the girl’s on top, and I’m here for every single minute of it!
Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Angel Reese has skyrocketed to become one of the most recognizable figures in women’s basketball. Born on May 6, 2002, Angel began her basketball journey at Saint Frances Academy, where she was awarded McDonald’s All-American honors in 2020 and was ranked the number two player in her class by ESPN. Her talent was undeniable from the start.
Reese joined the Maryland Terrapins as the highest-ranked recruit in program history, but her freshman season in 2020-21 was interrupted by a fractured right foot. Showing her resilience, she bounced back and was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press as a sophomore. In her junior season, Reese transferred to LSU and was a unanimous first-team All-American selection. She led LSU to its first national championship, where she was named Most Outstanding Player. Reese set the NCAA single-season record in double-doubles and the SEC single-season record in rebounds. As a senior, she was named SEC Player of the Year and an All-American.
Off the court, Angel’s story is just as intriguing. She’s got a vibrant personality and a charismatic presence, often called “Chi-Town Barbie” for her unique style. Fame, of course, comes with its own set of challenges. From her outspoken nature to her bold fashion choices, she’s been a bit of a polarizing figure in the media. But Angel stays unapologetically herself, inspiring young athletes and advocating for more respect and representation for women in sports.
Now, let’s talk career highlights! One of her most jaw-dropping moments came during her college career when she shattered records and solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with in women’s basketball. Her blocks and steals have often been game-changers, securing win after win for her team.
In 2023, Angel was named to the USA Women’s AmeriCup Team. During the tournament, where the USA won silver, she averaged 8.3 points, a team-high 11.1 rebounds (2nd among all players), 1.3 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 18.2 minutes in seven games. Her performance in the AmeriCup further cemented her reputation as a powerhouse on the court.
Despite the bumps, Angel Reese’s future is looking brighter than ever. Her ability to wow audiences both on and off the court makes her a true gem not just to her team, but to the WNBA as a whole.
In 2024, Reese declared for the WNBA draft and was selected by the Chicago Sky with the seventh overall pick. She quickly made her mark in the WNBA, becoming the first rookie since Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard in 2022 to record five consecutive double-digit scoring games at the beginning of her career. She also had the second most offensive rebounds in a season’s first five games, ranking behind only all-time great Yolanda Griffith.
I wasn’t thrilled about watching my fav get reversed choke slammed by WNBA Vet Alyssa Thomas recently, but she handled it with grace and maturity. So, whether she’s dazzling us with her scoring ability or making headlines with her vibrant personality, Angel Reese is a name we’ll be talking about for years to come.
