Angel Reese facts for kids
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Angel Reese playing for the Atlanta Dream in 2026
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| No. 5 – Atlanta Dream | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Power forward | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | May 6, 2002 Randallstown, Maryland, U.S. |
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| High school | Saint Frances Academy (Baltimore, Maryland) |
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| Listed height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 165 lb (75 kg) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | ||||||||||||||||||||
| College |
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| NBA Draft | 2024 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall | |||||||||||||||||||
| Selected by the Chicago Sky | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro career | 2024–present | |||||||||||||||||||
| League | WNBA | |||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024–2025 | Chicago Sky | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2025–present | Rose | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2026–present | Atlanta Dream | |||||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Angel Reese is an American professional basketball star. She plays for the Atlanta Dream in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She also plays for Rose BC in the Unrivaled basketball league. Many basketball fans know her by her famous nickname, the "Bayou Barbie". She earned this nickname while playing college basketball for the LSU Tigers. Before that, she played for the Maryland Terrapins. Reese is celebrated worldwide for her skill at grabbing rebounds and scoring near the basket.
Reese grew up in Maryland and became a standout player in high school. She was selected as a McDonald's All-American player. ESPN ranked her as the second-best high school player in the entire country. She started her college career close to home with the Maryland Terrapins. Later, she transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU). At LSU, she led the team to its first national championship victory in 2023. She was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
In 2024, Reese entered the professional ranks with the Chicago Sky. She quickly made history by breaking records for grabbing rebounds. She was selected to play in the WNBA All-Star Game during her very first season. Later, she joined the Atlanta Dream to continue her professional journey. Reese also represents the United States in international tournaments. She helped her country win a gold medal at the 2026 FIBA World Cup. Beyond the court, she inspires young athletes through charity work, fashion, and business projects.
Contents
- Who Is Angel Reese?
- Early Life and Growing Up
- High School Basketball Career
- College Basketball Journey
- Professional Basketball Career
- International Basketball Career
- How Angel Reese Plays Basketball
- Life Away from the Basketball Court
- Acting and Entertainment Roles
- Career Highlights and Fun Facts
- See Also
Who Is Angel Reese?
Angel Reese is one of the most famous women athletes in the world today. She stands 6 feet and 4 inches tall. On the court, she plays mostly as a power forward and small forward. She is known for her high energy, athletic speed, and competitive spirit. She never gives up when chasing after a missed shot. Her ability to secure a double-double has made her a household name. A double-double means getting double-digit numbers in two statistical categories in one game. Reese usually achieves this with points and rebounds.
Reese is also a trailblazer for women athletes off the court. She has shown how modern college and professional players can build their own brands. Through name, image, and likeness deals, she became one of the most popular sports stars. She loves fashion and often wears stylish outfits and colorful hairstyles. She encourages young girls to be confident in who they are. She shows that athletes can be competitive players and express their creative styles.
Early Life and Growing Up
Childhood in Maryland
Angel Reese was born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland. Her parents are Angel and Michael Reese. Both of her parents were skilled basketball players who played in college and overseas. Reese learned the game of basketball from her mother at a very young age. Her mother taught her basic dribbling, passing, and shooting fundamentals. Reese grew up playing competitive games against her younger brother, Julian. They spent hours playing intense one-on-one matches on their home driveway court.
As a young girl, Reese entered a local recreational league located in Baltimore County. Her mother played in the adult division of the exact same league. Reese showed incredible natural talent and quick learning ability right from the start. She was so skilled that coaches had her play above her age group. She even joined boys' teams to find tougher competition. Playing against older and stronger opponents helped her develop great physical toughness and quick reactions.
Other Sports and Growing Taller
Basketball was not the only sport that Reese enjoyed during her active childhood. Her family encouraged her to try many different physical activities to stay healthy. She practiced ballet to learn grace, balance, and foot control. She took gymnastics classes to build strong core muscles and flexibility. She also spent time swimming and competing in track events. All these sports helped her become a versatile, fast, and agile athlete.
When she started playing basketball, Reese played as a point guard. Point guards are usually smaller players who dribble the ball and direct plays. Because she was a guard first, she learned excellent ball handling and court vision. Then, right around the start of high school, she experienced two rapid growth spurts. She quickly grew much taller than most of her peers. Even though she moved to the frontcourt near the basket, she kept her guard skills.
Basketball Heroes and AAU Success
Growing up near Washington, D.C., Reese attended games played by the Washington Mystics. She loved watching professional women play basketball at the highest level. She found inspiration in great Women's National Basketball Association stars like Candace Parker and Maya Moore. She admired their leadership, scoring ability, and team championships. She also looked up to former National Basketball Association player Muggsy Bogues, who was from Baltimore. Bogues proved that hard work and determination matter most on the basketball court.
To play against the best young talent, Reese joined an elite Amateur Athletic Union team. She played for Team Takeover in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). Her coach was Ron James, who helped polish her defense and rebounding. Her teammates included future college stars like Madison Scott, Mir McLean, and Jakia Brown-Turner. All of them received high five-star ratings from ESPN. Playing in this national league taught Reese how to compete against top athletes.
High School Basketball Career
Dominating at St. Frances Academy
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Reese attended St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. Head coach Jerome Shelton welcomed her to the four-year varsity basketball roster immediately. Because she was so tall, quick, and skilled, she could play all five court positions. During her first year, she played alongside future professional guard Nia Clouden. By the middle of the season, Reese earned a spot in the starting lineup. She became a reliable scorer and a dominant defensive force under the basket.
As a high school freshman, Reese averaged 11.1 points and 11 rebounds per game. Her outstanding efforts helped St. Frances capture the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland title. The team finished that amazing season with a record of 30 wins and only one defeat. Their only loss came in a national tournament semifinal game against Hamilton Heights. In that game, Reese scored 20 points, grabbed 24 rebounds, and made a putback basket to beat the buzzer. That thrilling shot sent the game into overtime.
Winning Titles and Breaking Records
During her sophomore season, Reese continued to improve every part of her basketball game. She led St. Frances to another conference championship and a 24–4 overall record. She averaged 17.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 blocks each game. She led her entire team in all four of those major statistical categories. After the season, she played in the prestigious Capital Classic showcase. She won the game's most valuable player award after leading her squad to victory.
As a junior, Reese became one of the most dominant high school players in America. She averaged an astonishing 22.6 points and 19.3 rebounds during each contest. The Baltimore Sun named her the All-Metro Player of the Year. She also led her Team Takeover club to the Nike EYBL summer championship. In the final game against All Iowa Attack, she scored 18 points and snatched 11 rebounds. College coaches across the United States traveled to watch her play in person.
In her senior year, Reese averaged 18.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.5 blocks. She led St. Frances to its fourth straight conference title with a 25–3 record. St. Frances honored her by making her number 10 a retired number. She was the first girl in school history to have her jersey retired. She was picked for the McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. Reese finished high school with 1,720 points and 1,250 rebounds.
High School Volleyball Success
Basketball was not the only sport Reese played while attending St. Frances Academy. She also joined the high school volleyball team as a standout athlete. She played the important outside hitter position because of her height and jumping ability. In her freshman year, she helped St. Frances win its conference volleyball title. It was the first championship St. Frances ever won in a sport other than basketball. Reese and her teammates repeated this accomplishment by winning another volleyball title in her sophomore year.
Choosing a College Team
By her junior year, Reese was considered a five-star recruit by major sports websites. She was ranked as the number two high school player in the entire nation. More than 24 top NCAA Division I programs offered her full athletic scholarships. These schools included powerhouse teams like the South Carolina Gamecocks and Louisville Cardinals. Fans and reporters waited eagerly to see where she would decide to play next.
On November 1, 2019, Reese announced that she would attend the University of Maryland, College Park. She chose Maryland to stay close to her beloved family and hometown friends. Maryland head coach Brenda Frese had recruited Reese since she was in eighth grade. Reese signed her official National Letter of Intent shortly after her public announcement. She was the highest-ranked recruit to ever join the Maryland Terrapins women's basketball program.
College Basketball Journey
Maryland Terrapins (2020–2022)
Freshman Season Challenges
Reese joined Maryland for the 2020–21 season as a starting power forward. Coach Frese praised Reese for her vocal leadership and strong work ethic during team practices. Frese viewed Reese as an essential leader alongside talented guards Ashley Owusu and Diamond Miller. In her very first college game on November 27, 2020, Reese scored 20 points. She led Maryland to an exciting 94–72 victory over the Davidson Wildcats.
Unfortunately, bad luck struck during her fourth game against the Towson Tigers. Reese landed awkwardly on the court and suffered a painful Jones fracture in her right foot. She had surgery and spent nearly three months working hard to heal her injury. She returned to the court in February 2021 as a key reserve player. Reese helped Maryland win the Big Ten regular season title and tournament trophy. She made the Big Ten All-Freshman Team after averaging 10 points per game.
Sophomore Season Comeback
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Reese called her second season at Maryland her personal "redemption year." She was completely healthy again and felt confident when attacking the basket. In the season opener, she scored 21 points and collected 14 rebounds against Longwood. On December 2, 2021, she scored 26 points against the Miami Hurricanes. Later in the season, she posted 25 points and 13 rebounds against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Reese earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and made the conference All-Defensive Team. She guided Maryland to the Sweet 16 round of the 2022 NCAA tournament. In that game, she scored 25 points against the top-seeded Stanford Cardinal. The Associated Press named her a third-team All-American. She averaged 17.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. She was Maryland's first player to average a double-double for a full season since 1975.
Transferring to LSU
In April 2022, Reese decided to enter the college athletic transfer portal. She wanted a fresh basketball environment that would prepare her for the professional WNBA. Several top universities contacted her immediately to join their teams. Her friend Kateri Poole suggested they visit Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Reese met LSU head coach Kim Mulkey and loved the energetic atmosphere. On May 6, 2022, Reese officially announced that she was joining the LSU Tigers.
LSU Tigers (2022–2024)
2022–2023: National Championship Season
Reese made an instant splash during her first season with the LSU Tigers. In her debut game, she scored 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against Bellarmine. On January 5, 2023, she scored 26 points and hauled in 28 rebounds against Texas A&M. That performance broke the school single-game rebounding record set by Maree Jackson in 1977. Reese then recorded 20 double-doubles in a row, breaking a record held by Sylvia Fowles.
LSU entered the 2023 NCAA tournament determined to win the school's very first basketball national title. In the second round, Reese scored 25 points, grabbed 24 rebounds, and blocked six shots against Michigan. In the Elite Eight, she achieved her 32nd double-double of the year against Mississippi State. In the Final Four, she scored 24 points and had 12 rebounds against Virginia Tech. That game broke the Southeastern Conference single-season rebounding record.
The national title game matched LSU against the dangerous Iowa Hawkeyes and superstar guard Caitlin Clark. Reese played great all-around basketball, recording 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. LSU won the game 102–85 to secure the national championship. Reese won the tournament Most Outstanding Player trophy. She set an all-time NCAA single-season record with 34 double-doubles.
Near the end of the championship game, Reese celebrated LSU's upcoming victory on the court. She waved her hand across her face in a gesture made famous by wrestler John Cena. She also pointed to her finger to show where her championship ring would go. Her celebration sparked wide discussions in the sports world about celebrations and fair sportsmanship. Clark had used that same hand wave earlier in the tournament, and she defended Reese's competitive fire. Reese and her LSU teammates visited the White House, where President Joe Biden celebrated their championship.
2023–2024: Senior Season
Reese returned to LSU for her senior season with high hopes of winning another title. New star players like Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow joined the Tigers roster. Despite early team challenges, Reese provided dependable scoring, defense, and leadership. On November 30, 2023, she scored 19 points in a big win over Virginia Tech. Later, she was honored as the SEC Player of the Year by league coaches.
Reese led LSU back to the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA tournament. In an exciting rematch against Iowa, Reese battled through pain to record 17 points and 20 rebounds. Iowa won the hard-fought game 94–87, ending LSU's season. Reese finished the year averaging 18.6 points and 13.4 rebounds per game. Her two-year college average of 14.4 rebounds per game set a new record in SEC history.
Professional Basketball Career
WNBA Draft (2024)
On April 3, 2024, Reese announced that she would enter the 2024 WNBA draft. Basketball experts predicted that she would be selected very early in the first round. On draft night, the Chicago Sky selected Reese with the seventh overall pick. Reese walked onto the stage wearing a stylish dress, ready to begin her professional career. Fans in Chicago cheered loudly, excited to have the college superstar join their hometown team.
Chicago Sky (2024–2025)
2024: Record-Breaking Rookie Season
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Reese played her first official WNBA game on May 15, 2024, against the Dallas Wings. She scored 12 points and secured eight rebounds in a competitive matchup. She quickly became a dominant force near the basket against experienced professional veterans. By June, she began an unbelievable streak of consecutive double-double performances. On June 23, she scored 25 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a win against the Indiana Fever.
On June 30, Reese recorded her 10th straight double-double against the Minnesota Lynx. This passed Candace Parker for the longest single-season streak in WNBA history. Reese was named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for June. She was also selected to play in the prestigious WNBA All-Star Game. In that game, she became the first rookie in league history to post a double-double.
Reese continued her historic rebounding pace during the second half of the summer. On September 1, she broke the WNBA all-time single-season rebounding record. She passed the previous mark held by legendary center Sylvia Fowles. Reese's rookie season ended a few days early after she injured her wrist during a game. She finished her rookie campaign averaging 13.6 points and an astonishing league-record 13.1 rebounds per game.
2025: All-Star and Triple-Double
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Reese returned to the Chicago Sky for the 2025 season with improved passing and defensive awareness. On June 15, 2025, she recorded her very first career triple-double. She scored 11 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and gave out 11 assists against the Connecticut Sun. She became the second-youngest player in WNBA history to achieve a triple-double. Two weeks later, she scored 24 points and grabbed 16 rebounds against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Reese was chosen for her second straight WNBA All-Star Game appearance in July 2025. She recorded six consecutive games with at least 15 rebounds, setting another league record. Although a back injury caused her to miss a few games, she still dominated the boards. Reese finished the 2025 season averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 assists, and a league-leading 12.6 rebounds per game. Her rebounding title was her second straight in the WNBA.
Atlanta Dream (2026)
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On April 6, 2026, Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream in a major roster deal. Atlanta fans welcomed her warmly, excited for her physical defense and elite rebounding. In her first game with Atlanta, she scored 11 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against the Lynx. With one second left in that game, Reese blocked a shot to secure a 91–90 victory. On June 20, 2026, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds.
Reese was selected to her third consecutive WNBA All-Star Game during the summer of 2026. On August 20, she made all nine of her field goals against the Sparks, setting a team accuracy record. On August 25, she grabbed an incredible 26 rebounds in a single game. This broke the WNBA single-game record of 24 set by Chamique Holdsclaw in 2003. She also broke the single-season rebounding mark previously set by superstar forward A'ja Wilson.
Unrivaled Basketball League
In July 2024, Reese announced she would join Unrivaled, a new professional 3-on-3 league. The league was created by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. Reese played for the team called Rose BC, making her debut on January 17, 2025. She scored the first points in team history and quickly recorded a double-double. In one exciting game, she posted 22 points and 21 rebounds against the undefeated Lunar Owls.
Reese won the Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2025 season. She was also named to the All-Unrivaled Second Team for her outstanding play. Rose BC won the very first Unrivaled league championship trophy behind her defense and rebounding. Reese returned to Rose BC during the 2026 season to help her team defend its title. The fast-paced 3-on-3 games gave her great opportunities to improve her one-on-one moves.
International Basketball Career
Early USA Basketball Experience
Reese dreamed of wearing the red, white, and blue uniform of USA Basketball as a teenager. She tried out for the under-17 national team in 2017 and 2018. Although she was a finalist, she was not selected for the final tournament rosters. Reese kept working on her conditioning and basketball skills instead of feeling discouraged. She proved that perseverance and extra practice can help athletes overcome early setbacks.
Senior National Team and Gold Medals
Reese made her official national team debut at the 2023 FIBA AmeriCup tournament in Mexico. She scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds in her debut game against Venezuela. In the quarterfinal round, she posted 13 points and 18 rebounds in a win against Colombia. Reese helped the United States team win the tournament silver medal after facing Brazil in the final.
In 2026, Reese joined the senior national team for the World Cup Qualifying Tournaments. She earned a roster spot on the United States team for the 2026 FIBA World Cup in Germany. Reese provided strong rebounding off the bench and protected the paint with physical defense. The United States defeated top international teams to capture the prestigious gold medal. Winning a gold medal fulfilled one of Reese's biggest lifelong basketball goals.
How Angel Reese Plays Basketball
Rebounding and Inside Scoring
Angel Reese is widely recognized as one of the best rebounders in modern basketball history. She has a listed height of 6 feet and 4 inches and a long wingspan. She uses her body positioning, anticipation, and quick jumping ability to grab missed shots. Reese often catches offensive rebounds and scores immediately with quick putback layups. She plays with relentless energy and refuses to let opponents push her away from the basket.
On offense, Reese can handle the basketball like a guard in the open court. When she grabs a defensive rebound, she can dribble the ball herself on fast breaks. While she rarely shoots three-pointers, she is very dangerous when attacking the paint. She draws many fouls from defenders trying to stop her layups. This allows her to score many easy points at the free throw line.
Perimeter Defense and Versatility
Reese is also a gifted and flexible defensive player on the court. Even though she is tall, her quick footwork allows her to guard players on the perimeter. She can switch onto smaller guards and keep them from driving past her to the rim. Her long arms help her deflect passes, steal the ball, and block shots without fouling. Her defensive skills were a major reason she won defensive awards in both college and professional leagues.
Basketball analysts often compare Reese's playing style to WNBA stars Nneka Ogwumike and NaLyssa Smith. Reese studied tape of NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons to learn footwork. She also watched WNBA legends Candace Parker and A'ja Wilson to master low-post scoring moves. Reese brings great passion and excitement to every game she plays. Her coaches love her competitive fire and desire to win every single loose ball.
Life Away from the Basketball Court
Family and Education
Reese comes from a very talented and close-knit basketball family. Her mother, Angel, played college basketball at UMBC and played professionally in Europe. Her mother's number 10 jersey was retired by UMBC. Her younger brother, Julian, played college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins before entering the NBA. Her cousin, Jordan Hawkins, played for the UConn Huskies men's team and won the 2023 NCAA title.
Reese worked very hard in the classroom during both high school and college. She earned spots on the academic honor roll as a high school student. In college, she studied communications at Maryland before majoring in interdisciplinary studies at LSU. She graduated from LSU with a college degree focusing on communications, leadership, and psychology. Reese has expressed strong interest in working as a television sports broadcaster after her playing days conclude.
Business, Fashion, and Fame
Reese is one of the most successful athletes in the world of modern sports business. In college, she signed historic endorsements with major companies like Reebok and Amazon. Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal helped sign her to Reebok to create her own basketball shoe. In September 2025, Reebok released her first signature shoe, called the "Angel Reese 1." Reese has also worked with Bose, Coach, Outback Steakhouse, and Sonic.
Her fans love her glamorous style, which inspired her nickname, the "Bayou Barbie." When she moved to Chicago, fans began calling her the "Chi-Town Barbie." In 2024, she signed a fun partnership with Hershey's to promote Reese's candy. In 2025, McDonald's created a meal named after her called the Angel Reese Special. Reese also hosts a popular weekly sports and lifestyle podcast called Unapologetically Angel. In May 2024, she became a co-owner of the DC Power FC professional soccer team.
Helping Others Through Charity
Reese believes in using her fame and resources to support communities in need. In July 2023, she launched the Angel C. Reese Foundation to help young girls across America. The foundation focuses on three key areas: sports participation, practical education, and financial literacy. Reese wants to ensure that all girls have the resources they need to succeed in life.
Every summer, her foundation hosts back-to-school block parties to give students backpacks and school supplies. She donated $12,000 to St. Frances Academy to pay tuition costs for a female basketball player. In 2024, she teamed up with Cash App to teach teens how to budget and save money. Her foundation also renovated an outdoor public basketball court in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 2025, she partnered with NBA legend Magic Johnson to launch financial literacy workshops for kids.
Acting and Entertainment Roles
Reese has also appeared in television series and films as an entertainer. In 2024, she was featured in the sports documentary series The Money Game: LSU. In 2025, she made a cameo appearance in the film A House of Dynamite. In 2026, she voiced characters in the animated movie Goat and acted in the television drama The Hunting Wives. She enjoys acting and sharing her vibrant personality with audiences everywhere.
Career Highlights and Fun Facts
- Led the LSU Tigers to their first NCAA women's basketball championship in 2023.
- Won the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award in 2023.
- Set the NCAA Division I single-season record with 34 double-doubles.
- Selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky.
- Broke the WNBA single-season rebounding record during her rookie season in 2024.
- Selected as a WNBA All-Star in each of her first three seasons (2024, 2025, and 2026).
- Won an Unrivaled 3-on-3 league championship with Rose BC in 2025.
- Set a WNBA record by grabbing 26 rebounds in a single game in August 2026.
- Won a gold medal representing the United States at the 2026 FIBA World Cup.
- Partnered with Reebok to design her own signature basketball sneaker, the Angel Reese 1.
See Also
- List of WNBA annual rebounding leaders
- List of WNBA regular season records
