The NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship game in April between Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Iowa was more than just a final matchup. It symbolized the progress of women’s sports and drew a record-breaking audience. Among the players, LSU’s standout forward Angel Reese stood out as the focus of attention, earning the title of the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player.

In July, during our Zoom conversation, Angel Reese, the 21-year-old rising senior, describes her summer as a whirlwind. She reflects on attending the ESPYs the previous night, where she won Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, followed by playing for Team USA in the FIBA AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico. After wrapping up her Teen Vogue photo shoot in Los Angeles, she is headed to Variety and Sportico’s Sports & Entertainment Summit to formally launch her foundation dedicated to empowering young women.

Reese’s family has a rich basketball legacy. Her mother, Angel Webb Reese, played basketball in college and professionally, while her younger brother, Julian, followed suit and now plays at the University of Maryland. Reese herself explored various sports growing up, including volleyball, softball, cheerleading, and track. However, basketball eventually became her passion. Despite her competitive nature, she appreciated her mother’s approach of letting her and her brother choose their own sports. By high school, basketball had become her primary focus, driven by her desire to outplay her brother and her belief in her own abilities.

Reese’s unapologetic confidence shines through, even in virtual interactions. Her rapid-fire speech and frequent smiles convey authenticity and spontaneity. Her Instagram captions reflect her self-love and empowerment, showcasing phrases like “face card got no spending limit,” “being young & sexy is so fun!,” and “I love being a Black queen” (in all caps).

Despite facing criticism, particularly misogynoir, Reese remains steadfast. In a recent incident during a title game, she gestured to her ring finger, drawing unfair scrutiny compared to her white counterparts. Reflecting on her journey, Reese acknowledges the necessity of developing thick skin early on, especially given the scrutiny in the basketball world. She recognizes that criticism comes with the territory but remains unwavering in her confidence and self-assuredness.

Reese is vocal about the glaring double standard between men and women in sports, challenging the expectation for female athletes to conform to traditional norms. Reflecting on her experiences, she notes, “It’s been normalized for girls just to play nice.”

University of Michigan guard Laila Phelia, who has known Reese since middle school and played with her on Team USA, admires Reese’s tenacity and passion for the game. Phelia emphasizes Reese’s role as a supportive teammate, highlighting how Reese’s confidence boosts the team’s morale.

When not on the court, Reese and Phelia often create content for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where Reese has amassed millions of followers. However, Reese has learned to balance her online presence with self-care, recognizing the need to step back from social media to prioritize her mental well-being, especially in the face of negativity.

Reese has been reveling in recent experiences, from gracing the pages of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue to enjoying a vacation in Jamaica with her boyfriend, Cam’ron Fletcher. She even made a cameo in Lotto and Cardi B’s music video, relishing the excitement despite the late hours.

A visit to the White House added to her memorable experiences, where she met President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Despite the newfound fame, Reese remains humble, acknowledging the impact she’s had on women’s basketball and sports in general, particularly for Black women.

Adjusting to celebrity status hasn’t been easy, especially with the scrutiny of social media. However, Reese takes it in stride, finding humor in her unexpected journey to the spotlight.

Reese’s priorities are crystal clear: school comes first, followed closely by basketball. She sees both as instrumental in her journey and hopes to use her success to support her mother and brother financially.

Her brother, Julian, echoes her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of family and the values instilled by their mother. He finds inspiration in his sister’s growth and success, driving him to excel both academically and athletically.

Despite the whirlwind of fame and opportunities, Reese remains focused and driven, as reflected in her Instagram caption: “season ended in April & i been still scoring since then.”