angel reese, the standout star of lsu women’s basketball, recently shed light on how she navigates her on-court persona and off-court life. widely recognized for her fiery competitiveness and unapologetic confidence during games, reese explained that she intentionally draws clear distinctions between her basketball identity and her personal life.
in an exclusive interview, reese shared her approach to balancing her rising fame and her individuality. “on the court, i’m locked in. it’s about being aggressive, confident, and doing whatever it takes to win,” she said. “but off the court, i’m more laid-back, goofy, and just angel.”
reese’s intense style of play and bold celebrations during games have earned her both admirers and critics. her now-iconic hand gesture during the 2023 ncaa championship game, which helped lsu secure its first title, sparked national conversations about sportsmanship and gender in sports. addressing this, reese noted that the court is where she feels most empowered to fully express herself.
“when i’m playing, it’s my time to be unapologetic,” reese explained. “i’ve worked hard to get to where i am, and i’m proud to show that passion. people might not always like it, but that’s who i am as a competitor.”
however, off the court, reese prioritizes maintaining a grounded and authentic version of herself. as a college athlete under a massive spotlight, she emphasized the importance of staying true to her roots and connecting with the people closest to her.
“i think people forget sometimes that i’m just 22 years old. i’m still growing and figuring out life,” reese said. “my family and friends keep me grounded, and that’s the side of me you don’t always see on tv or social media.”
reese also opened up about how her rising platform has given her opportunities to advocate for issues she’s passionate about, including representation and equality in sports. she acknowledged that being a prominent black female athlete comes with unique challenges but also the chance to inspire others.
“it’s a responsibility i take seriously,” reese shared. “i want to show young girls, especially girls who look like me, that they can dream big and succeed, no matter what anyone says.”
as name, image, and likeness (nil) deals continue to reshape college sports, reese has become one of its most marketable athletes. despite the pressures that come with endorsements and maintaining her image, she remains focused on her goals, including defending lsu’s championship title and preparing for a future in professional basketball.
when asked about how she handles criticism and online scrutiny, reese admitted it isn’t always easy but said she relies on her inner circle for support. “not everyone will understand me, and that’s okay,” she said. “i remind myself why i started playing basketball in the first place — for the love of the game.”
angel reese’s ability to balance her fierce on-court demeanor with a more personal and grounded off-court presence highlights her maturity and resilience. as she continues to make waves both on and off the court, her story remains an inspiring example of authenticity and determination.
