Shyanne Jennings

Angel Reese, born May 6, 2002, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA and Rose in the Unrivaled league. She gained significant recognition during her college career, playing for the Maryland Terrapins and LSU Tigers. Reese was a highly recruited player out of high school, earning McDonald's All-American honors. Her college career included a freshman season at Maryland marked by injury but also Big Ten titles, followed by a standout sophomore year where she earned All-American recognition. She then transferred to LSU, where she led the team to its first national championship, earning Most Outstanding Player honors and setting NCAA records for double-doubles and SEC single-season rebounds. She was also named SEC Player of the Year as a senior. Reese was drafted seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky. In her rookie season, she was named an All-Star and set a league record for rebounds. Internationally, she helped the U.S. win a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA Women's AmeriCup. Beyond basketball, Reese has appeared on the cover of Vogue and modeled in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

Born in Randallstown, Maryland, Angel Reese began learning basketball from her mother at a young age. Her early development included playing against her brother and competing in local recreational leagues, often playing against older competition and on boys' teams. Initially a point guard, she experienced significant growth spurts by her first year of high school. Reese's childhood also involved other athletic pursuits like ballet, gymnastics, swimming, and track. She drew inspiration from WNBA players Candace Parker and Maya Moore, and NBA player Muggsy Bogues. Reese played AAU basketball for Team Takeover, a program that competes in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, where she was teammates with other highly-rated recruits.

During her time at St. Frances Academy, Reese was a four-year varsity player, demonstrating versatility by playing all five positions due to her size and athleticism. She earned All-Metro honors multiple times and led her team to conference championships. Her junior season saw her average impressive statistics and earn Player of the Year recognition, though she also faced a suspension for an on-court altercation. Reese's high school career concluded with numerous accolades, including McDonald's All-American consideration, though the game was canceled due to the pandemic. She was a highly sought-after recruit, ranked as the second-best player in her class by ESPN, and committed to the University of Maryland as the highest-ranked recruit in program history.

Reese's freshman season at Maryland was impacted by a foot injury, but she still contributed to Big Ten regular season and tournament titles, earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Her sophomore year saw her return to a starting role, delivering strong performances and earning first-team All-Big Ten and All-Defensive Team honors, as well as third-team All-American recognition. She led Maryland to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament. Seeking a fresh start and a coach who could develop her game for the WNBA, Reese entered the transfer portal and ultimately transferred to LSU. This move positioned her as one of the most highly-regarded transfers in the nation.

At LSU, Reese's junior season was transformative. She was a unanimous first-team All-American and led the Tigers to their first-ever national championship, where she was named the Most Outstanding Player. During this season, she set NCAA single-season records for double-doubles and SEC single-season records for rebounds. As a senior, she was named SEC Player of the Year and an All-American. Her collegiate success led to her being selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky. In her inaugural WNBA season, Reese was named an All-Star and established a new league record for single-season rebounds. She also contributed to the U.S. national team, earning a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA Women's AmeriCup.