Angel Reese: The Rising Star of Women’s Basketball

By Headings.us | June 7, 2025

In the world of women’s basketball, few players have captured the public’s imagination quite like Angel Reese. With her remarkable talent, fierce competitive spirit, and advocacy for women in sports, Reese has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting and influential figures in the game. From her high school days in Baltimore to her role as the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Reese’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular.

The Early Years: A Star in the Making

Born on May 6, 2002, in Baltimore, Maryland, Angel Reese was practically destined for greatness. Raised in a sports-centric family, with her mother, Angel Reese Sr., having played basketball at the collegiate level, Angel’s love for the game was fostered from a young age. Her mother, a former basketball player at Morgan State University, was instrumental in teaching Reese the fundamentals of the game, and it was clear early on that her daughter had a natural gift for basketball.

Growing up, Reese spent countless hours at the gym with her mother and older brother, Devon Reese, who also played basketball. By the time she was in high school at St. Frances Academy, it was clear that Reese was no ordinary player. Her unique combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ set her apart from her peers, and she quickly became one of the most highly recruited high school players in the country.

At St. Frances Academy, Reese dominated the competition, earning recognition as one of the top players in the nation. Her performances on the court earned her a spot on the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Team in 2020, a distinction that only the most talented high school players receive. Reese’s natural athleticism, combined with her ability to score, rebound, and defend, made her a force to be reckoned with even at a young age. By the time she graduated from high school, she had already established herself as a future star in women’s basketball.

College Career: A Dominant Force in the NCAA

After high school, Reese made the decision to play for the University of Maryland, where she quickly became one of the brightest stars in the NCAA. Maryland, known for its rich basketball tradition, provided the perfect environment for Reese to hone her skills and continue her rise to prominence.

During her freshman year at Maryland, Reese made an immediate impact. She was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and impressed with her consistency and poise on the court. In her first season, Reese averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, showcasing her ability to contribute in all areas of the game. However, it was her sophomore season that truly put her on the map. Reese’s numbers exploded, and she quickly became one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference.

Reese’s sophomore year was a breakout campaign. She averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, leading the Maryland Terrapins deep into the NCAA Tournament. Her physical style of play, combined with her high basketball IQ, earned her First-Team All-Big Ten honors and solidified her reputation as one of the most dominant players in college basketball.

Despite her success at Maryland, Reese decided to transfer to Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2022, seeking new challenges and exposure to a higher level of competition. The move to LSU would prove to be a game-changer for both Reese and the LSU Tigers, as she became an immediate force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

LSU: Dominating the SEC and National Spotlight

At LSU, Reese’s impact was immediate. Playing under the guidance of head coach Kim Mulkey, one of the most respected coaches in women’s basketball, Reese quickly emerged as the centerpiece of the LSU program. In her first season with the Tigers, she led the team in points, rebounds, and blocks, showcasing her all-around game. Her performances were nothing short of spectacular, and she was named First-Team All-SEC.

One of the most notable moments of Reese’s college career came during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, when she led LSU to the national championship. In the final game against Iowa, Reese had an incredible performance, posting 19 points and 15 rebounds, while also playing a key role in LSU’s victory. This performance earned her Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors and solidified her status as one of the top players in women’s basketball.

Reese’s leadership and talent were crucial in LSU’s journey to the championship, and she was widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in the tournament. Her ability to take over games and make key plays in critical moments made her one of the most exciting players to watch. After her championship victory, Reese’s stock as a player was higher than ever, and she became a household name in women’s basketball.

The WNBA: The Next Chapter in Reese’s Career

In 2025, Reese was selected as the first overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Draft, and she wasted no time making an impact in the league. The Sky, a team in need of a versatile and powerful forward, got exactly what they needed in Reese. Known for her ability to score, rebound, and defend, Reese was a natural fit for the Sky’s system, and her presence on the court was immediately felt.

From her first game in the WNBA, Reese demonstrated why she was the top pick. She quickly became a key player for the Sky, contributing on both ends of the court. Her performances garnered attention, not only from fans but also from analysts who already predicted her to be a future MVP candidate. Whether it was her dominant rebounding, post moves, or tenacious defense, Reese’s game had few weaknesses, and she proved she could compete at the highest level.

A Role Model Beyond Basketball

What sets Angel Reese apart from many other players is her commitment to advocacy and social justice. Off the court, Reese has become a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports. As one of the brightest young stars in the WNBA, Reese has used her platform to speak out about the challenges female athletes face, including the lack of media coverage, pay disparities, and the need for more support for women’s sports.

Reese has also spoken out on issues of racial inequality and social justice, using her platform to bring attention to important causes. She has become a role model for young girls aspiring to pursue careers in sports and has been praised for her dedication to effecting change both on and off the court. Her willingness to speak out on controversial issues has made her one of the most influential players in women’s basketball, and her impact is only growing.

The Future of Angel Reese

At just 23 years old, Reese’s journey is far from over. With a stellar college career behind her and a promising future in the WNBA, Reese is already being compared to some of the greatest players in the history of the game. Her skill set, leadership qualities, and passion for the sport make her a player to watch for years to come.

Reese has the potential to become one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Whether it’s leading her team to more championships, achieving individual accolades, or continuing to raise awareness for women’s sports, Reese’s journey is only just beginning.

Conclusion

Angel Reese’s rise to prominence in women’s basketball is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and love for the game. From a high school standout to an NCAA champion and now a rising star in the WNBA, Reese has shown that she is not only a force to be reckoned with on the court, but also an advocate for change off of it. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards in women’s basketball, the future looks incredibly bright for this rising star.

With a bright future ahead of her, Angel Reese is not only shaping the future of women’s basketball but is also leading the charge for greater respect and recognition for female athletes everywhere. As she continues to rise through the ranks, Reese is sure to leave an indelible mark on the sport, paving the way for the next generation of players to follow in her footsteps.