Angel Reese’s Astonishing Rise—The Unexpected Millions of a College Athlete

Angel Reese's rise is nothing short of remarkable. You see a star who went from high school basketball phenom to earning a staggering $1.8 million in NIL deals during her college career. At LSU, she led her team to a national championship, showcasing her skills with record-breaking performances. With over 20 endorsements from big brands like Reebok and Beats by Dre, her financial success redefines what college athletes can achieve. Known for her influence in sports and fashion, Angel's impact goes beyond the court. For a deeper look into her inspiring journey, you'll want to explore further.

Key Takeaways

• Angel Reese achieved an impressive NIL value of $1.8 million by March 2024 through over 20 endorsement deals with major brands.
• Her college basketball success includes leading LSU to a national championship and earning the title of Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
• Reese's unique persona, known as "Bayou Barbie," has garnered her over 8.2 million social media followers, enhancing her marketability.
• She launched the Angel C. Reese Foundation, focusing on empowering girls and women through sports and education initiatives.
• Selected 7th overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, Reese is projected to earn a salary of $93,000 by 2027, solidifying her professional prospects.

Early Life and High School Achievements

Angel Reese's journey in sports began long before she stepped onto the high school court. Born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland, she was raised by her mother, Angel, and her grandparents, Barbara and Curtis Webb.

With a mother who played college basketball at UMBC and professionally in Luxembourg, it's no surprise that she quickly developed a passion for the game. Competing against her brother Julian in the driveway sharpened her skills, while her early involvement in ballet, gymnastics, swimming, and track added to her athletic prowess.

Attending St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Angel made her mark as a four-year varsity player under coach Jerome Shelton. She quickly earned a starting spot midway through her freshman season, showcasing her ability to play all five positions. In her high school career, she finished with 1,720 points and 1,250 rebounds, making her the second in school history.

Her stats were impressive—averaging 11.1 points and 11 rebounds per game. With her hard work, she helped her team clinch the IAAM A Conference title, finishing with a stellar 30–1 record.

Recognized for her talent, she earned numerous accolades, including being named USA Today Maryland Player-of-the-Year in 2019 and 2020, and a McDonald's All-American in 2020.

College Journey at Maryland

Throughout her college journey at the University of Maryland, Angel Reese showcased her exceptional talent and determination, quickly becoming a standout player in the NCAA. As a five-star recruit, you can see why she was highly sought after, holding offers from over 24 Division I programs before committing to Maryland on November 1, 2019.

Her freshman season faced a setback due to a fractured right foot, limiting her to just 15 games. Still, she averaged 8.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in those appearances, proving her potential.

By her sophomore year, she exploded onto the scene, leading the team with 17.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Her performance earned her first-team All-Big Ten honors and a spot on the All-Defensive Team. Notably, her impressive play at Maryland set the stage for her later success in college basketball, culminating in a national championship victory at LSU in 2023.

In the 2022 NCAA tournament, she helped Maryland reach the Sweet 16, where she recorded an impressive 25 points and 9 rebounds against Stanford.

Transfer to LSU

In May 2022, Reese made the pivotal decision to transfer to LSU, drawn by the program's winning culture and the esteemed reputation of Coach Kim Mulkey. This move came after a successful stint at the University of Maryland, where she averaged an impressive 17.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. At LSU, she joined an elite class of incoming players, including Flau'jae Johnson, making her shift even more exciting. Under Coach Mulkey, known for her multiple national titles, Reese found a mentor who praised her as one of the most dynamic players in the country.

You could sense the trust she placed in Mulkey and her staff for her development. Building special relationships with her new teammates, Reese quickly integrated into a squad filled with high-profile transfers and talented freshmen. Notably, she became the first Maryland player since 1975 to average a double-double during her time at the university.

Though she missed some games early in the season, she started LSU's first four games, averaging 17 points and 10.3 rebounds. Her ability to score in double figures consistently kept LSU at the top of their game, proving she was the impact player everyone expected her to be.

National Championship Success

While many expected Angel Reese to make a significant impact at LSU, her performance during the 2022-23 season exceeded all expectations. You watched as she averaged an impressive 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game, leading LSU to its first NCAA women's basketball national championship.

In the semifinal against Virginia Tech, she scored 24 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked four shots. Then, in the national championship game against Iowa, she recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, showcasing her dominance on the court.

Reese set NCAA and SEC records for consecutive double-doubles, achieving 23 straight to kick off the season. Her contributions didn't go unnoticed; she was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and earned SEC Player of the Year honors. Additionally, her success has drawn significant attention, much like the ongoing interest in the unsolved JonBenet Ramsey case.

Throughout the NCAA Tournament, she maintained an average of 21.3 points and 15.1 rebounds over six games, solidifying her status as a top player.

With her outstanding achievements, you can see how Angel Reese not only led her team but also made a significant impact on women's basketball, drawing national attention and inspiring future generations.

WNBA Career Beginnings

Angel Reese's journey into the WNBA began when she was selected 7th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 draft, marking a significant milestone in her career. The Chicago Sky traded with Minnesota to secure this pick, ensuring they could bring Reese on board.

As the 23rd player from LSU selected in the WNBA Draft, and the 8th to go in the first round, Reese joined a team enthusiastic for improvement after an 18-22 season.

Making her debut on May 15, 2024, Reese scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds against the Dallas Wings. Her rookie season quickly showcased her potential, as she set a record with 10 consecutive double-doubles. Notably, she achieved this incredible feat following her record-setting NCAA career where she recorded 34 double-doubles.

Ranking first in the league for offensive rebounds, she averaged 4.5 per game and 8.2 overall. Despite early challenges, including a fine for not speaking to reporters, Reese proved her competitiveness and adaptability on the court.

As she navigated her first season, comparisons with fellow rookie Caitlin Clark emerged, highlighting the excitement around her growth and impact in the league. The journey was just beginning, and fans eagerly anticipated her future contributions.

Record-Breaking Performances

Breaking records left and right, Angel Reese's performances during her college career captured the attention of sports fans everywhere. She set an impressive record with 34 double-doubles in a single season, leading the NCAA in both scoring and rebounding. Averaging 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game, she showcased her dominance on the court.

Remarkably, she achieved 23 consecutive double-doubles at the start of the season, breaking Sylvia Fowles' longstanding record. In fact, she recorded 555 rebounds throughout the season, breaking the SEC record for a single season.

In the NCAA Tournament, Reese continued to shine, recording a double-double in all six games and earning the title of Most Outstanding Player. She averaged 21.3 points and 15.1 rebounds throughout the tournament, setting LSU's NCAA Tournament record with 24 rebounds against Michigan.

She also became the first SEC player to achieve 30 points and 15 rebounds in a single tournament game.

Her historic performances didn't stop there. She became the only player across all NCAA divisions to post at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and shoot over 80% in a game.

With these record-breaking achievements, Reese has solidified her legacy in college basketball.

Endorsement Deals and Earnings

After making waves with her historic performances on the court, Angel Reese is now making headlines off it with her impressive endorsement deals and earnings. Her ability to captivate fans has led to a remarkable NIL value of $1.8 million, thanks to over 20 endorsement deals as of March 2024. Selected 7th overall in the 2024 WNBA draft, she is poised for even greater financial success.

Here's a glimpse of her thriving partnerships:

• Reebok: Multi-year NIL deal including a personal product line, "Angel's Picks."
• Beats by Dre: A key player in her extensive endorsement portfolio.
• Goldman Sachs: Promoting the One Million Black Women campaign.

In 2022 and 2023 alone, she earned $1.7 million from 17 deals, showcasing her marketability.

With her annual WNBA salary starting at $73,439 and projected to reach $93,000 by 2027, Reese's financial future looks bright. On top of that, her estimated net worth is expected to exceed $2 million.

As she continues to secure high-profile partnerships, Angel Reese is setting a new standard for college athletes and redefining the landscape of endorsements in sports.

Fashion and Public Image

The rise of Angel Reese as a fashion icon is reshaping her public image, blending her athletic prowess with a distinct sense of style. Known as "Bayou Barbie" during her time at LSU, Angel embraced her fashion interests, and now, as "Chi Barbie" in Chicago, she continues to captivate audiences. With over 8.2 million followers on social media, she showcases her off-court fashion, highlighting her vibrant personality. Additionally, her record-setting achievements in the WNBA have further solidified her status as a multifaceted athlete and influencer.

Here's a look at some of her standout fashion moments and collaborations:

Her striking pre-game outfits and red carpet looks elevate her status, showcasing her ability to merge sports with high fashion. Angel Reese is not just an athlete; she's a powerful fashion statement, redefining the narrative of college athletes in popular culture.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Recognizing the power of her platform, Angel Reese has commenced on a mission to make a significant impact through her philanthropy. She launched the Angel C. Reese Foundation, focusing on empowering girls and women by providing equal opportunities in sports, education, and financial literacy. Her initiatives foster equitable resources for young women and underrepresented groups.

Here are a few ways she's making a difference:

• Community Programs: Angel offers basketball camps, financial literacy programs, and holiday events to engage and uplift her community.
• Educational Support: She donated $12,000 to cover tuition for the girls' basketball team at Saint Frances Academy, ensuring equal educational opportunities.
• Back-to-School Initiatives: Angel's "Back-to-School Giveback Block Party" provides essential items like school supplies and clothing to children in need. Additionally, the foundation's focus on equitable resources aims to address systemic challenges faced by young women.

With her NIL earnings, Angel continues to support charitable gestures and uplift Black athletes and women's basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Inspired Angel Reese to Pursue Basketball Professionally?

You might find that Angel Reese's inspiration to pursue basketball professionally stems from her early experiences playing in her driveway with her brother and learning from her mother.

Those formative moments ignited her passion for the game. Competing in high school and excelling in various tournaments fueled her desire to elevate her skills further.

As she faced challenges and successes, that determination solidified her commitment to making basketball her career.

How Does Angel Reese Balance Sports and Academics?

You know what they say: "Where there's a will, there's a way."

Balancing sports and academics requires commitment and smart time management. You prioritize your practice schedules while keeping up with coursework.

You make the most of tutoring resources and lean on your support system, including coaches and advisors.

What Are Angel Reese's Future Career Aspirations Beyond Basketball?

You'll find that Angel Reese aspires to achieve greatness beyond basketball. She aims to become a WNBA champion and hopes to win the MVP award.

She's also setting her sights on the 2028 Olympics with Team USA.

Beyond sports, she’s investing in businesses like DC Power Football Club, launching a fashion line, and creating the Angel Reese Foundation. Additionally, she’s ventured into tech investments, leveraging Mark Zuckerberg’s wealth to fund start-ups and cutting-edge innovations. With a passion for empowering and uplifting others, she’s also committed to using her platform and resources to make a positive impact in her community and beyond. Through her foundation, she aims to support underprivileged youth and provide opportunities for them to succeed in various endeavors.

Her journey emphasizes empowerment, leadership, and inspiring future athletes while building a lasting legacy.

How Does Angel Reese Handle Pressure and Expectations as a Public Figure?

You handle pressure and expectations by staying focused on your goals and the people who inspire you.

When faced with scrutiny, you ignore the negativity and concentrate on your message.

You embrace your authentic self, blending your passions with your role as a public figure.

What Are Some of Angel Reese's Hobbies Outside of Basketball?

Outside of basketball, you'll find Angel Reese enjoying a variety of hobbies. She loves cooking, especially whipping up her favorite dish, fried Oreos.

Shopping is another passion, where she interacts with fashion brands and showcases her style. You might also catch her modeling, as she's featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition and runs her own clothing line with Reebok.

Engaging with popular culture, she collaborates with artists like Megan Thee Stallion, too.

Conclusion

In the grand tapestry of sports, Angel Reese weaves her thread of resilience and triumph. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she transformed challenges into opportunities, soaring to heights few imagined. Each game she plays is a stroke of brilliance on the canvas of her career, reflecting not just talent but heart. As she embraces the spotlight, remember: her journey isn't just about winning; it's about inspiring others to chase their dreams and leave their mark.