WNBA rookie Angel Reese helped the Chicago Sky escape Los Angeles with a 90-86 victory over the Sparks on Saturday.
Prior to competing against the Sparks, Reese spoke with media, where she shared her honest thoughts on scrutiny she’s received in the public eye.
Reese has been one of the most talked about athletes in the past couple of months, with many considering her to be one of the faces of the WNBA at just 22 years old.
While she’s received scrutiny from fans on social media, Reese believes it’s best to focus on the positive aspects of her playing career, such as her teammates and coaching staff.
She mentioned that she knows she serves as a role model to many people, so it’s important to continue to carry a high level of confidence on and off the floor.
Just being able to be surrounded by amazing people and amazing women,” Reese said. “It’s a time right now where you kind of have to have thick skin, being able to be one of the faces, and just being able to wake up every day and try to be strong. I think I have a great support system and they’ve helped me through this all so I just love waking up every day and just continuing to look in the mirror and saying to just stay strong and continue to do this and there’s so many people that look up to me so I try to just wake up every day and just try to be there for them.”
Whether it’s fans debating about the Rookie of the Year race between Reese and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, or fans throwing shade at Reese for any comment she’s made, or even for her fashion sense, Reese believes it’s best to stay positive.
She’s been able to do that with a strong support staff, like Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, who Reese has mentioned has been a parental figure throughout her rookie season.
Weatherspoon has helped Reese flourish in the WNBA, creating an incredible role for the rookie in Chicago’s playbook.