Angel Reese didn’t just arrive—she exploded. And she brought the whole culture with her.

In just a few years, the 6’3” forward went from being a college standout at LSU to one of the most recognizable faces in all of sports. But it wasn’t just the stats—though those were undeniable. It was her attitude, her poise, her unapologetic boldness that made her not just a player, but a movement.

Reese’s rise began in earnest during the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament, where she led the LSU Tigers to a national championship and earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player honors. With her signature lashes, acrylics, and viral “you can’t see me” taunt, she didn’t just dominate the court—she dominated headlines. Some tried to critique her confidence. Black women and girls saw themselves.

And that’s always been Angel Reese’s superpower: visibility. In a sport that has often tried to flatten or soften Black women’s personality, she’s never toned herself down. And she hasn’t needed to. The numbers speak. The endorsements rolled in. The NIL deals flourished. And the fans followed her into the WNBA, where she was drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2024.

There, she hit the ground running. Her rebounding ability, second-chance points, and versatility made her an instant asset. But it was her impact off the court that has amplified her voice. From magazine covers to commercials to speaking out about race and gender equity in sports, Reese has stepped into the spotlight like she was born for it. (Spoiler: she kind of was.)

Angel Reese is part of a new era of women’s basketball that doesn’t just want visibility—it demands respect. Alongside peers like Caitlin Clark, Juju Watkins, and Aaliyah Edwards, she’s helped usher in a new golden age of women’s hoops—one where ticket sales are booming, viewership is up, and young girls finally see themselves reflected in primetime.

But Angel has never tried to fit into a pre-existing mold. She’s creating her own lane. Whether it’s calling out double standards in media coverage or celebrating Black culture on the court, she’s unbothered, unfiltered, and in control.

She’s also brought the idea of authenticity to the forefront of athlete branding. Where previous generations may have felt pressure to conform or play nice, Reese is all edge and all honesty. And brands—from Reebok to Coach—are buying in. They’re not asking her to tone it down. They’re asking her to turn it up.

She’s also stepped into a leadership role quickly. Despite being a WNBA rookie, her social media reach and collegiate legacy make her one of the most influential players on any team. And she knows that comes with responsibility. Reese has spoken openly about mental health, self-worth, and the importance of representation. She’s not just playing for stats—she’s playing for the little girls watching.

At the 2025 BET Awards, her Sportswoman of the Year nomination feels like more than just a nod—it’s a recognition that she’s become a cultural leader. She’s already been a national champion, an All-American, a WNBA star. But this? This is about the influence she’s wielded with grace, grit, and glitter.

Angel Reese is not just a hooper. She’s a businesswoman. A brand. A blueprint. A barrier-breaker. And most of all, she’s proof that Black girls who ball—loudly, beautifully, and unapologetically—can be at the center of the story.

She didn’t change for the game. The game changed for her.