Angel Reese, a rising star in the WNBA, has embraced a mentorship role with her Atlanta Dream teammates, drawing on her own early experiences under intense media scrutiny to guide younger players. The 24-year-old forward, traded to Atlanta from the Chicago Sky in April, has sought to shield rookies from the harsh spotlight she encountered during her debut season.
Reese’s journey into professional basketball has been marked by rapid growth and considerable public attention. The Randallstown native, known for her outspoken nature, gained national recognition during her college career at South Carolina and has since become one of the league’s prominent figures. Despite being only in her third professional season, her visibility has been intense, including a high-profile rivalry with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during the 2023 national championship game. Reese’s jersey ranks among the top five sellers in the league, and she has amassed five million followers on Instagram.
Since joining the Dream, Reese has taken a proactive approach in supporting her teammates, particularly rookie Madina Okot. The two developed a close bond after meeting at training camp in May. Reese has been seen offering guidance during games and practice, encouraging Okot to build confidence on the court and to assert herself vocally with teammates. Reese also helped Okot navigate off-court challenges such as managing daily routines, and she continually reinforces Okot’s self-belief.
“She’s like a big sister to me,” Okot said, emphasizing Reese’s protective presence since their first encounter and cautioning against judging others based on social media narratives.
Reese credits her mentorship approach to her own early support system. She recalls her high school experience at St. Frances Academy, where older teammates served as strong role models during pivotal moments, including an undefeated 30-0 season highlighted by a nationally televised game.
Despite leading the WNBA in rebounds and contributing significantly to Atlanta’s competitive standing near the top of the Eastern Conference, Reese was not named a starter for this year’s WNBA All-Star Game, finishing seventh among frontcourt players. While Reese expressed she anticipated such an outcome and respected those selected, she voiced frustration on behalf of teammates Rhyne Howard and Alisha Gray, who were overlooked in backcourt voting.
Reese remains committed to using her platform to advocate for others. “I thought it was important to speak up for people that don’t always speak,” she said, highlighting her ongoing dedication to supporting teammates and addressing inequities within the league.
As Reese continues to navigate her early career, she balances the pressures of star status with a dedication to fostering growth in those around her, positioning herself as both a dynamic player and a steadfast mentor within the WNBA community.