WNBA star Angel Reese turned heads on the red carpet this week, earning accolades from none other than music icon Rihanna. The 22-year-old Reese, who has quickly become a prominent figure both on and off the court, was spotted at the 2024 Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York, where she made a lasting impression.
Reese, who enjoyed an impressive rookie year with the Chicago Sky, has been making waves in the WNBA despite a wrist injury that cut her debut season short. The 6-foot-3 forward’s on-court performance has only been part of her growing popularity, as her fanbase has expanded significantly thanks to her unique style, charisma, and glamorous appearances at major events.
Throughout 2024, Reese has been invited to some of the most high-profile events in the fashion world, including the Met Gala, Louis Vuitton shows, and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her presence at these events has solidified her reputation as a style icon, and her fashion choices have consistently captivated fans and media alike.
On Wednesday night, Reese once again made her mark when she appeared at the Footwear News Achievement Awards. Dressed in a stunning black ensemble, Reese confidently posed for the cameras on the red carpet, showing off her impeccable style.
Her look that evening turned heads and earned her even more admiration from her fans and peers.
The highlight of the night came when Reese crossed paths with Rihanna, who was also in attendance at the event.
The music legend and fashion mogul didn’t hold back her admiration for the young WNBA star, posing for a picture with her and later posting it on social media with a simple yet powerful caption: “She is the one.”
Rihanna’s endorsement of Reese only added to the excitement of the night, as fans couldn’t get enough of the interaction between the two influential figures.
Reese’s evening was further elevated when she received the Style Influencer of the Year award at the event, a recognition of her impact not just in sports but in the fashion industry as well.
Her ability to seamlessly transition between the basketball court and the red carpet has made her a role model for aspiring athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.
The Footwear News Achievement Awards also saw other notable winners, including Rihanna’s partner A$AP Rocky, who took home the Collaboration of the Year award for his work with Puma.
The star-studded event was filled with memorable moments, but Reese’s standout appearance and Rihanna’s public nod of approval were among the most talked-about highlights of the night.
As her influence continues to grow off the court, Reese remains dedicated to her basketball career. She is now focusing on the newly launched Unrivaled League, a 3v3 women’s basketball competition set to run from January 17 to March 17. The league aims to provide an exciting platform for female athletes, and Reese is eager to showcase her skills alongside other top talent in the sport.
After her stint in the Unrivaled League, Reese will return to the WNBA, where she is expected to continue her fierce rivalry with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
The rivalry between Reese and Clark has been one of the most captivating storylines in women’s basketball, beginning during their college days at LSU and Iowa, respectively.
Their intense on-court battles have continued into their professional careers, delighting fans and adding excitement to the league.
Angel Reese’s journey from a rising basketball star to a style icon and cultural influencer has been nothing short of remarkable.
With her talent, charisma, and the support of influential figures like Rihanna, Reese is poised to make an even greater impact both in the world of sports and beyond.
Fans are eagerly awaiting her next moves, whether it’s dazzling on the red carpet or dominating on the basketball court.