Angel Reese has become one of the most recognizable athletes in women's basketball, but the journey has not been easy. In a revealing conversation on the IMO with Michelle Obama podcast, the Atlanta Dream forward opened up about how she protects her mental health while navigating unprecedented fame. Reese admitted that the pace of her life has been anything but normal, and she has had to learn how to reset and stay grounded.
“I think I tried to have some type of normalization where I've come from. I'll never forget that,” Reese told Michelle Obama. “I don't want to ever feel like I'm bigger than anything. I always sit back and just think, I'm so grateful, that I'm so thankful. I love being just able to come home, turn my phone off and just relax and doing the things that I enjoy. Laying in bed, laughing and just having a good time with the people that I love and enjoy.”
Reese's rise to stardom has been meteoric. After two years at Maryland and two more at LSU, she became a national champion in 2023 when the Tigers defeated Iowa in the title game. That victory transformed her from a college standout into a global celebrity. Endorsement deals with Reebok, Beats by Dr. Dre, and McDonald's soon followed, including a historic partnership that made her the first female athlete to have a signature celebrity meal deal with the fast-food giant.
But with fame came scrutiny. Social media became a battleground, and Reese often found herself responding to critics. “Over the last two years, I've been able to understand it (that social media isn't real). Do I think what has happened to me over the years is normal? No, not at all. Is it acceptable? No, not at all, but understanding this is the new reality of what life is about and just be grateful and graceful of everything that I'm able to enjoy,” she said.
From College Star to WNBA Sensation
Reese’s basketball journey began in Baltimore, Maryland, where she attended St. Frances Academy before transferring to McDonogh School. She was a highly touted recruit and chose Maryland, where she played two seasons and earned All-Big Ten honors. In 2021, she transferred to LSU, sitting out the 2021-22 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
At LSU, Reese became a dominant force. In the 2022-23 season, she averaged 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game, leading the Tigers to their first national championship. Her performance in the title game against Iowa, where she recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds, was overshadowed by a now-famous gesture directed at opposing player Caitlin Clark. The moment sparked intense debate and thrust Reese into the national spotlight in ways she had not anticipated.
She declared for the WNBA draft after the 2023-24 season, where she was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky. Reese made an immediate impact, setting records for rebounds and double-doubles. In her rookie season, she averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, earning WNBA All-Star honors. She was later traded to the Atlanta Dream in a blockbuster deal that solidified her status as one of the league's biggest draws.
The Price of Fame
Reese's success has come with a heavy mental toll. In her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, she has discussed the pressures of being a role model and the constant need to perform both on and off the court. She has also faced online harassment and death threats, particularly after high-profile games. In 2024, she revealed that she had been subjected to racist and sexist abuse, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes.
“I’ve been through a lot,” Reese said in an interview. “People don't understand what it's like to have every move you make analyzed. I'm human. I have feelings. But I've learned to focus on the people who love me and the things that truly matter.”
That focus has become a survival strategy. Reese has learned to set boundaries, including turning off her phone and stepping away from social media when it becomes overwhelming. She emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with family and friends, simple pleasures that remind her of who she is beyond basketball.
Grounding in Gratitude
Reese’s approach to staying sane is surprisingly simple. While many might assume that a star athlete with her resources would seek extravagant escapes, she finds comfort in ordinary moments. Whether it's spending time with her mother, laughing with her teammates, or just resting at home, these quiet interludes help her recharge.
“I love being able to come home and turn my phone off,” she said. “Just laying in bed, watching TV, eating good food, and being around people who know me for me. That's what keeps me grounded.”
Gratitude is another pillar of her mental health routine. Reese often reminds herself that she is living a dream many only imagine. But she also acknowledges that the path has been uniquely challenging.
“I don't think people realize how hard it is to be me,” she said. “Every game, every interview, every tweet—it all matters. But I've learned to take it one day at a time and be thankful for the good moments.”
Broader Context: Athletes and Mental Health
Reese is part of a growing wave of athletes who are speaking openly about mental health. Stars like Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles, and Kevin Love have shared their own struggles, helping to destigmatize the issue. For women’s basketball players, the pressure is particularly intense due to the league's rapid growth and increased media attention.
The WNBA has implemented programs to support players' mental well-being, including access to licensed therapists and wellness resources. Reese's willingness to discuss her own challenges is seen as a positive step for the league and for young fans who may be dealing with similar issues.
“If I can help one person by sharing my story, then it's worth it,” Reese has said. “We're not superhuman. We have bad days. And that's okay.”
The Road Ahead
As Reese continues her career with the Atlanta Dream, she remains focused on growth—both as a player and as a person. She has set her sights on winning a WNBA championship and expanding her brand beyond basketball. Her business ventures, including endorsements and media projects, are carefully chosen to align with her values.
But despite her ambitions, Reese is determined not to lose herself in the process. She often reflects on her journey and the people who supported her along the way.
“I'll never forget where I came from,” she said. “I want to inspire the next generation, but I also want to enjoy my life. That's what matters most.”
In an era where athletes are constantly under a microscope, Reese's candidness about her struggles and her commitment to protecting her peace serve as a powerful reminder: even amidst extraordinary success, it's important to pause, breathe, and remember the simple things that make life meaningful.
Source: MSN News