Chicago’s professional sports landscape has been electrified by the arrival of a wave of exceptional athletes.

In the hockey realm, the Blackhawks made a significant move by selecting Connor Bedard as the top pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Bedard’s talent and potential have ignited excitement among fans as they anticipate his impact on the ice.

Meanwhile, in the basketball arena, the Chicago Sky made headlines with their drafting of both Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. These additions to the team promise to bolster its strength and competitiveness in the WNBA.

However, it was the Chicago Bears who made perhaps the biggest splash of all, securing Caleb Williams as the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25th. Williams’ arrival has sparked anticipation and optimism among football enthusiasts, eager to witness his prowess on the field.

Interestingly, before their paths converged in Chicago, Williams and Reese already shared a bond of friendship. Reflecting on their connection, Reese affectionately remarked to NBC Chicago’s Mike Berman, “That’s my dog, yeah. That’s my dog. Me and Caleb are cool.” She went on to explain their shared roots in the DMV area and their mutual circle of friends, eagerly anticipating their upcoming hangouts in the Windy City.

Reese, hailing from Baltimore and a standout at Saint Frances Academy in Maryland, brings with her a legacy of success, including a National Championship win during her tenure at LSU. Her dominant performances on the court have solidified her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.

In contrast, Williams, a product of Gonzaga College Prep just outside Baltimore, embarked on a collegiate journey that took him to Oklahoma before ultimately landing at USC. Despite the geographical distance between their alma maters, Reese and Williams share a common bond rooted in their Maryland origins.

As Reese eagerly anticipates meeting up with Williams and embracing a fellow DMV native in the bustling streets of Chicago, she also acknowledges the broader impact of their presence in the city’s sports scene. With a rookie class brimming with talent and potential, including their own additions to the Chicago sports landscape, Reese envisions a city united in its passion for sports, both on the field and on the court.