Angel Reese (born 2002) is an American collegiate basketball player renowned for her outstanding performance on the court. A forward for the LSU Tigers, Reese gained widespread recognition during the 2022-2023 NCAA season. Known for her versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability, she has become one of the top players in women’s college basketball. Reese’s high school career at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, showcased her potential, earning her accolades and attention from major programs. At LSU, her impact was immediate, contributing significantly to her team’s success. Off the court, Reese is known for her charismatic personality and social media presence, further elevating her profile. Her blend of skill, leadership, and charisma makes her a prominent figure in the sport and a rising star in women’s basketball.
Early Life and Family Background
Angel Reese was born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. She grew up in a family that was steeped in basketball culture, with both her parents having backgrounds in the sport. Her mother, Angel Webb Reese, played collegiate basketball at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), and later had a professional career overseas. Her father, Michael Reese, also played basketball at a collegiate level and continued to play professionally in Europe, with stints in countries like Cyprus, Austria, Luxembourg, and Portugal. These strong basketball influences shaped Angel Reese’s life from a young age.
She wasn’t the only one in the family to pursue basketball seriously. Her younger brother, Julian Reese, also took up the sport and currently plays for the University of Maryland. The competitive nature between the siblings helped Angel develop her fierce style of play, as they frequently played against each other in their front yard. Basketball was not just a hobby but a way of life for the Reese family. Angel credits these early experiences with her brother as helping to build her toughness and competitive edge, attributes that would later define her as a player.
The Reese family’s basketball prowess extended beyond Angel and Julian. One of Angel’s cousins, Jordan Hawkins, became a standout basketball player at the University of Connecticut, winning the NCAA men’s basketball championship just 24 hours before Angel led LSU to victory in the women’s championship in 2023. This close-knit, basketball-oriented family has been central to Angel Reese’s rise as a top-tier athlete.
High School Career
Angel Reese attended St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, where she immediately established herself as one of the top basketball players in the nation. During her high school career, she was a four-year varsity player, demonstrating extraordinary versatility on the court. Reese’s ability to play all five positions made her a unique and formidable force, especially given her height (6’3″) and athleticism.
St. Frances Academy became a powerhouse in girls’ high school basketball, largely thanks to Reese’s contributions. She helped lead the team to three consecutive Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) championships and two conference titles. Her ability to score, rebound, assist, and block shots made her a dominant player on both ends of the court. During her junior year, she averaged 22.6 points and 19.3 rebounds per game, earning the All-Metro Player of the Year honors from The Baltimore Sun.
Reese’s high school performances did not go unnoticed. By the time she was a senior, she had become one of the most highly recruited players in the nation. She finished her high school career with 1,720 points and 1,250 rebounds, an impressive feat that solidified her status as the No. 2 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class. Reese earned McDonald’s All-American honors and was selected to participate in the Jordan Brand Classic, though both events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aside from basketball, Reese also excelled in volleyball, helping St. Frances win the IAAM C Conference championship in her freshman and sophomore years. Her multi-sport background further contributed to her athletic development, providing her with the skills that would later distinguish her on the basketball court.
College Recruitment and Early Struggles at Maryland
In 2020, Reese committed to the University of Maryland, one of the top women’s basketball programs in the country. Her decision to play for the Terrapins was influenced by the program’s proximity to home and her long-standing relationship with head coach Brenda Frese, who had been recruiting her since middle school. Reese’s commitment was a significant win for Maryland, as she was the highest-ranked recruit in the school’s history.
However, Reese’s freshman season at Maryland was marred by injury. She suffered a foot fracture early in the season, which forced her to miss 14 games. Despite this setback, she showed flashes of her potential, averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game in the limited time she played. Her performances earned her a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team, but the season as a whole was a challenge for her, as she was unable to make the immediate impact she had hoped for.
Reese’s sophomore season, however, was a turning point. She bounced back from her injury to become one of the most dominant players in the Big Ten. She led Maryland in both scoring (17.8 points per game) and rebounding (10.6 rebounds per game), becoming the first Maryland sophomore since 1975 to average a double-double. Reese’s ability to control the paint on both offense and defense made her a key player for the Terrapins. She earned First Team All-Big Ten honors and was named to the Associated Press All-America Third Team.
Despite her individual success, Maryland’s 2022 season ended in disappointment when the team was eliminated in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. After two consecutive years of early exits in the tournament, Reese decided to enter the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start and a program that could help her reach the next level.
Transfer to LSU and Breakout Season
In 2022, Reese transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU), a decision that would change the trajectory of her basketball career. She was drawn to LSU by head coach Kim Mulkey, who had a reputation as one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball, having won multiple national championships with Baylor University. Mulkey’s winning mentality and ability to develop players convinced Reese that LSU was the right place for her to continue her career.
Reese’s impact at LSU was immediate. In her first season with the Tigers, she led the team to one of the best seasons in its history. Reese became the centerpiece of the team’s offense and defense, finishing the 2022-23 season with averages of 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game. She set an NCAA record with 34 double-doubles in a single season, showcasing her consistency and dominance on both ends of the court.
The pinnacle of Reese’s season came in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. She led LSU on a deep run through the tournament, culminating in a historic national championship victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. In the championship game, Reese recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, helping LSU secure its first-ever women’s basketball national title. Her performance throughout the tournament earned her the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award, and she became a household name in college basketball.
Reese’s victory was not without controversy, however. In the final moments of the championship game, she made a gesture toward Iowa’s star player, Caitlin Clark, which some interpreted as unsportsmanlike. However, Reese defended her actions, stating that she was simply expressing the same competitive spirit that had defined her career. The moment sparked widespread debate about double standards in how male and female athletes are perceived when they display competitive fire, and Reese’s unapologetic stance endeared her to many fans who appreciated her confidence and authenticity.
Style and Personality: “Bayou Barbie”
One of the most distinctive aspects of Angel Reese’s public persona is her style, both on and off the court. Known for her long nails and vibrant personality, she earned the nickname “Bayou Barbie” during her time at LSU. Reese embraced this moniker, using it as a way to express her individuality and challenge stereotypes about female athletes.
Reese’s confidence extends beyond her appearance. On the court, she plays with a level of swagger and toughness that has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. She has cited players like A’ja Wilson and Te’a Cooper as inspirations, not only for their skills but also for their ability to express their personalities while playing at the highest level.
Reese’s combination of style and substance has made her one of the most marketable athletes in college sports. With the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college athletics, Reese has capitalized on her growing fame, signing endorsement deals with major brands. Her ability to connect with fans, both through her play and her presence on social media, has made her a role model for young athletes, particularly young women of color who see in Reese a reflection of themselves.
