By John “Woods” Armwood III
In the heart of Chicago, amid the spotlight of a growing WNBA season and relentless social media scrutiny, Angel Reese isn’t just showing up to play basketball—she’s showing up to lead. At only 23 years old, the Chicago Sky forward is navigating a landscape few athletes her age have ever faced, carrying a spotlight and a target with equal weight. And she’s doing it with poise, power, and an unshakable belief in her purpose.
“Yeah obviously, I don’t worry about what’s going on online,” Reese said after a recent game. “I get so much love in person. I haven’t ever had a negative encounter in person—ever.”
She makes it clear: online hate doesn’t define her. And despite the volume of criticism thrown her way daily—often tinged with misogyny and bias—Reese stands firm, grounded by the people who matter most.
“I trust my work. My teammates trust me. My coaches trust me. And that’s all that really matters,” she added. “I don’t have to prove anything to anybody but myself and my teammates.”
'Her Crown Is Heavy'
Veteran teammate Ariel Atkins offered a powerful reminder of the weight Reese carries, not just as an athlete but as a young Black woman in the public eye.
“This is a 23-year-old kid,” Atkins said. “The amount of crap that she gets on a day-to-day… she still shows up. Her crown is heavy. And she handles herself with grace.”
Atkins didn’t mince words when addressing the media, urging focus on basketball instead of character critique. She praised Reese for building a protective wall around her mental health—a necessary boundary to thrive in an environment where one misstep can be magnified beyond proportion.
“If she doesn’t have that wall, people will break her down—not just because of the way she looks, but because of the way she carries herself.”
The Voice on the Floor
While her resilience off the court is essential, Reese’s leadership on the floor is undeniable. Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh has praised her for stepping into a vocal leadership role, even as a rookie.
“Angel being out there and being a vocal presence… it’s keeping people engaged and setting the tone,” said Marsh. “They’ve learned a good bit from those who have been more experienced in the league, but Angel has stepped up and done what’s needed.”
Reese not only holds herself accountable, but uplifts her teammates in real time—even when they’re struggling.
“I was telling Milla [Kamilla Cardoso] today—she felt like she was having a rough day—and I was like, ‘How many times have I had a rough day and you picked me up?’” Reese said.
Moments like those show that she’s not just building a résumé—she’s building a culture.
Grace Under Pressure
In an era where athletes are often expected to be perfect performers and perfect people, Angel Reese refuses to shrink under pressure. She’s rewriting what it means to lead—not by pleasing everyone, but by staying true to who she is, who she represents, and who she’s fighting for.
And through it all, she’s still just getting started.
“The kid’s crown is heavy. Respect that.”