Angel Reese stands as a genuine luminary, shining brightly both on and off the WNBA court for the Chicago Sky. In 2024, she emerged as an All-Rookie sensation, her remarkable debut season seeing her average an impressive double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds per game, having been selected in the first round of the draft out of LSU. However, Reese's stardom transcends the basketball court; she is equally as captivating off it.
With a storied collegiate career at both LSU and Maryland under her belt, Reese has amassed a colossal following across social media platforms. She has posed for the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, graced the runways of various fashion weeks, launched her very own podcast, and much more. Yet, despite her numerous accomplishments, Reese remains one of the most scrutinized players in the league.
In a recent podcast episode of her show, "Unapologetically Angel," Reese engaged in a candid conversation with fellow WNBA player Dijonai Carrington, delivering a pointed message to her fans regarding her appearance. "It's tough, especially when two black women like us refuse to apologize for who we are and speak our minds unfiltered," Reese shared. "I stand by everything we say. It's genuinely challenging," she added, with Carrington nodding in agreement.
"People are quick to judge and spread rumors," Carrington explained. "They might think it's just internet trolls, but it's often people we encounter in real life." Reese confessed that the criticism that hurts her the most is centered around her appearance.
"I detest it when individuals say, 'She's too preoccupied with her makeup, hair, lashes, nails, and outfits,'" Reese lamented. She continued, "They gripe about WNBA players being too masculine, not feminine enough, and not dressing cutely enough. Then, when we do dress up, they claim we're overdoing it."
"I'm not watching that WNBA. Masculine, long shorts, braids everywhere. They all seem to like each other and date each other," Reese recounted as a common critique. "None of that is true," she emphasized.
Carrington, who is in a relationship with a WNBA player, echoed Reese's sentiments regarding appearance-based criticism. "I hate when people ask, 'Why do you have blonde hair?'" she said. "I have black eyebrows, black arm hair, black leg hair… and I don't care. I'm naturally blonde."
As the 2025 WNBA regular season approaches its spring kickoff, Reese and Carrington continue to defy stereotypes and embrace their authenticity, both on and off the court.
