From being labeled “not good enough” to dominating college basketball and becoming an NCAA champion, Angel Reese’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. A fierce competitor with unmatched confidence, she has worked tirelessly to become one of the most versatile and dominant players in her class. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in herself, even when the world doubted her.

A Passion for Sports from the Start

Angel Reese was born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland, into a family with a rich sports background. Her mother, a standout player at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and her father, a former Boston College and Loyola player, set a strong athletic foundation. From a young age, Angel showed her natural talent in sports, including track, swimming, ballet, and of course, basketball. Her competitive spirit was ignited early, especially with her younger brother, Julian, with whom she frequently competed.

Raised with independence and determination by her mother, who had her own basketball background, Angel learned the importance of hard work and resilience. These lessons shaped the player she would become.

High School Glory

By the time Angel entered high school at Saint Francis Academy in Baltimore, her raw talent was undeniable. As a freshman, she made an immediate impact, averaging a double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds) per game and earning All-Metro First Team honors. By her sophomore year, she had honed her skills even further, posting averages of 18 points and 12 rebounds per game. But it was her junior year that truly solidified her place as one of the nation’s top players. With averages of 23 points and an astonishing 19 rebounds per game, she was named All-Metro Player of the Year.

Her dominance continued as a senior, earning her McDonald’s All-American status and recognition as one of the top five recruits in the class of 2020. She left high school with the second-most career points in her program’s history and was honored with a retired jersey number, a first for the program.

Choosing Maryland and Early Challenges

Reese’s talent earned her offers from top programs across the country, but she ultimately chose the University of Maryland, where she would make history as the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history. However, her journey was not without obstacles. In her freshman season, she suffered a Jones fracture in her right foot, which sidelined her for a significant portion of the season. Despite the injury, she returned to average 10 points and 6 rebounds per game, earning All-Freshman honors.

A Star in the Making at LSU

After two seasons at Maryland, Angel made the decision to transfer to LSU in 2022, where she reunited with her competitive edge and continued to thrive under Coach Kim Mulkey’s leadership. In her first game with the Tigers, she posted a jaw-dropping 31 points and 13 rebounds. Over the next year, Reese’s dominance only grew. She became one of the top players in college basketball, earning multiple double-doubles and putting up massive performances, including a 36-point, 20-rebound game against Ole Miss.

But it was during the NCAA tournament that Reese truly cemented her legacy. Leading LSU to the Final Four, she was instrumental in their success, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a victory over Virginia Tech. In the national championship game against Iowa, Reese played with everything on the line, contributing 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists to secure LSU’s first national championship in women’s basketball history.

A Champion’s Legacy

Angel Reese’s transformation from a high school player doubted by many to an NCAA champion is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and sheer determination. She faced setbacks, critics, and injuries, but her drive to improve and prove herself never wavered. Today, Reese stands as one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball, a national champion, and a symbol of what it means to rise above adversity.

This is the story of Angel Reese—one of the fiercest and most inspiring athletes to ever grace the court. From “not good enough” to NCAA champion, Angel Reese has shown the world that with perseverance and belief in oneself, anything is possible.