Angel Reese, the rookie sensation for the Chicago Sky, is quickly becoming a symbol of girl power and self-assurance.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE ahead of her first community event in her new home city of Chicago, Reese shared insights into her undeniable confidence and her mission to inspire young girls to find empowerment within themselves.
On June 28, Reese made a surprise appearance at the South Side YMCA in Chicago for an educational event centered around basketball and self-care. Reflecting on her role as a mentor, Reese told PEOPLE, “Hopefully they can look at me as a sister.” She continued, “I remember when I was that little girl, wanting to look up to someone and be where I am right now. Hopefully, I can give them some confidence that you can do whatever you put your mind to.”
Since being drafted by the Chicago Sky in April 2024, the former LSU star has been breaking records and making history. She became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double and set a record for the most consecutive double-doubles, a streak that ended at 15 on July 13.
Reese’s remarkable athleticism on the court is matched by her vibrant confidence, a trait she has nurtured throughout her life. “I think I was always confident,” Reese said. “It started when I was always the tallest in the class. I had to be confident because I was towering over everybody. So it started at a young age.”
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Reese draws inspiration from her grandmother, who constantly encouraged her to embrace her uniqueness. “My grandma used to always tell me, ‘You stand out for a reason.’ And now I understand why I stand out for a reason,” she shared. Her mother, a former basketball player, also played a significant role in shaping her confidence. “She was super confident and always told me to stand tall.”
Reese’s confidence shines through in her style and demeanor, both on and off the court. “My nails and hair are always done,” she said. “I’m being the girly girl on the court but still having that dog mentality and being able to go out there and compete too.”
Reflecting on her journey, Reese offered advice to her younger self and others: “Be who you are and not care what anybody else thinks. Everybody’s always going to have an opinion—if you’re the greatest or the worst. I am who I am, and I accept who I am. People are going to either love it or hate it.”
Reese acknowledges the challenges she has faced, emphasizing the importance of self-belief. “I haven’t had the perfect journey, I haven’t had the perfect life,” she admitted. “I want them to know that and understand that you can start anywhere and be where you want to be.”
Off the court, Reese lives a “double life,” balancing her passion for basketball with her love for fashion and modeling. This year, she made her Met Gala debut, showcasing her ability to excel in multiple arenas. “I love to work hard, I love to win. I’m a winner, so whatever it takes to win.”
Reese aims to show young girls that they don’t have to be confined to one role. “It’s okay to do both,” she said. “Women don’t have to be put into a box where they have to do one specific thing. You guys can be cute on and off the court. But when you get within the lines, just have that mentality to do your job out there.”
Angel Reese’s journey is a testament to the power of confidence and self-belief. Her story inspires young girls everywhere to embrace their unique qualities and pursue their dreams with determination and style.
