Angel Reese has transformed from a college basketball sensation to a rising WNBA star with the Chicago Sky.
The 22-year-old forward, nicknamed “Bayou Barbie” and now “Chi Barbie,” continues to make waves both on and off the court.
After leading LSU to its first national championship in 2023, Reese made her mark as the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft.
Her rookie season with the Chicago Sky has already proven historic.
She shattered multiple WNBA records, including setting a new mark for consecutive double-doubles and breaking the single-season rebounding record previously held by Sylvia Fowles.
Beyond basketball, Reese has emerged as a powerful cultural figure.
Her January 2025 Vogue cover story highlights her successful transition from college superstar to professional athlete.
The feature celebrates her unique ability to blend athletic excellence with fashion and entrepreneurship.
Extending her business ventures, she owns part of the USL Super League team DC Power FC and runs the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which empowers girls through sports and financial literacy.
Her podcast “Unapologetically Angel” delivers weekly episodes, giving fans intimate insights into her life and perspectives.
Her endorsement portfolio keeps growing. Reese’s partnership with Reebok, initiated by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, stands as a cornerstone of her brand partnerships.
She’s also secured deals with major companies like Amazon, Coach, and Bose, maintaining her status as one of sports’ most marketable young stars.
Social media remains a crucial platform for Reese’s influence.
Her following has exploded since her college days, with over 4.6 million Instagram followers engaging with her content.
This digital presence helps amplify her voice on important issues, including mental health awareness and women’s empowerment in sports.
Despite her rapid rise to fame, Reese stays grounded in her Baltimore roots.
The Angel Reese Court at Scotts Branch Recreation Activity Center in her hometown showcases her impact on the community.
She regularly gives back through her foundation and continues to inspire young athletes.
Looking ahead, Reese focuses on building her WNBA legacy while expanding her influence beyond basketball.
Her commitment to authenticity, coupled with her business acumen and athletic excellence, positions her as a role model for the next generation of athletes.
From breaking records on the court to gracing magazine covers and launching successful business ventures, Angel Reese continues to redefine what’s possible for female athletes.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- During her high school years at Saint Frances Academy, Reese also excelled in volleyball, playing as an outside hitter and helping her team win the IAAM C Conference championship in her freshman and sophomore years.
- Her cousin Jordan Hawkins plays in the NBA and was part of the UConn Huskies men’s team that won the 2023 NCAA championship.
- Before gaining fame at LSU, Reese overcame significant challenges at Maryland, including a Jones fracture in her right foot during her freshman year and later needing a rod placed in her left leg for a shin injury in the offseason – a period she describes as hitting “rock bottom.”