They say power isn’t always a straight line—sometimes, it takes a few sharp turns. After dominating the NCAA with LSU and claiming the 2023 championship, Angel Reese stormed into the WNBA as the seventh pick in 2024, carrying a legacy that made everyone sit up. Chi Barbie was here, ready to set the league on fire. But the 2024 season? It wasn’t the fairy tale we all expected. The Chicago Sky stumbled to a heartbreaking 13-27 finish, landing in 10th place, and it was clear—this wasn’t the plan.
Ahead of her showdown with the Brazilian National Team on Saturday, the 22-year-old All-Rookie revealed a hard-earned lesson from her rookie year—one that shaped her journey in ways she never saw coming. “I’m washing my hands with last year. Rookie year was rookie year. I was forced into a leadership role. I was forced to mature early, I think it was humbling,“ Angel Reese expressed. She further added, “I think it was something that I’m super grateful for because experiencing what I experienced my rookie year made me who I am right now.”
Basketball: Unrivaled-Rose at Vinyl Jan 17, 2025 Miami, FL, USA Angel Reese 5 of the Rose takes a moment against the Vinyl during a timeout in the first half of the Unrivaled womens professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena. Miami FL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxRassolx 20250117_map_zg8_497
Instead of enjoying her first year, Reese quickly became the backbone of the Sky. Moreover, entering her second she believes that she knows what to expect. Is it from herself or her team? Therefore, she also noted, “I know things to do on and off the court; I know how to treat my body. I know how to just be a pro.” So, looking back, Angel Reese sees her rookie season as the fire that forged her. Now, walking into training camp, there’s no fear—just confidence. She’s stronger, sharper, and ready to lead. With a solid team behind her, she believes the Sky might just surprise everyone this year.
Well, to be honest, the “surprise” part of the bigger picture may have just begun. Besides, Angel Reese doesn’t need the whole game. Just 17 minutes—and the message is loud and clear. She’s a force. She’s efficient. And she’s ready to own the moment, every time she steps on the floor.
Angel Reese shines in her 17-minute appearance at WNBA preseason game vs. Brazil
Some homecomings hit harder than others, and Angel Reese made sure hers left a mark. In her first preseason game with the Chicago Sky, Angel Reese lit up the court. She played at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center—right under the banner she helped hang. In just 17 minutes, she dropped 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. A classic Bayou Barbie double-double. She walked away as Player of the Game in the Sky’s dominant 89-62 win over Brazil.
But the magic didn’t stop there. Hailey Van Lith, her former LSU partner-in-crime, added her own spark with seven points, three boards, and five assists. For Reese, this was more than just a game—it was a full-circle moment, and a fiery reminder that she’s just getting started.
NCAA, College League, USA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament Albany Regional-Louisiana State vs Iowa Apr 1, 2024 Albany, NY, USA LSUÕs Angel Reese smiles during their game against Iowa at MVP Arena. Albany MVP Arena NY USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xWinslowxTownsonx 20240104_wwt_bt1_022
Thus, Angel Reese is no longer just a rising star; she’s a storm gathering force. From a tough rookie year to a fiery preseason return, she’s rewriting her story. And this time, she’s doing it on her own terms. No mercy at all!
The post “Forced Into a Leadership Role”: Angel Reese Admits Harsh Career Lesson in Bold Chicago Sky Locker Room Confession appeared first on EssentiallySports.
