Early Life and Education of Angel Reese: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Angel Reese. A timeline of key moments.

Angel Reese, nicknamed "Bayou Barbie" and "Chi Barbie", is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA and Rose BC in the Unrivaled league. She gained prominence playing college basketball for both the Maryland Terrapins and the LSU Tigers.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 6, 2002: Angel Reese Born

On May 6, 2002, Angel Reese was born. She later became a professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

November 1, 2019: Commitment to Maryland

On November 1, 2019, Angel Reese announced her commitment to the University of Maryland, becoming the highest-ranked recruit in program history.

January 2020: High School Achievements and Jersey Retirement

In January 2020, Lisa Smith, head coach at Archbishop Spalding High School, was fired for criticizing Reese on Instagram. Also in January 2020, Reese's number 10 jersey was retired by St. Frances, making her the first female player to receive this honor.

2020: McDonald's All-American Honor

In 2020, Angel Reese was awarded McDonald's All-American honors and was ranked the number two player in her class by ESPN.

2020: Ranked Recruit

In 2020, Reese was considered a five-star recruit, the number two player and the top wing in the class by ESPN.

April 8, 2023: Saturday Night Live Parody

On April 8, 2023, Angel Reese was portrayed by comedian Punkie Johnson on the episode of Saturday Night Live. Johnson's skit parodied Reese's gesture at the end of the 2023 NCAA Division I championship game.

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June 2, 2023: Music Video Cameo

On June 2, 2023, Angel Reese made a cameo in the music video for "Put It on da Floor Again" by Latto and Cardi B.

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July 2023: Launch of Angel C. Reese Foundation

In July 2023, Angel Reese announced the launch of the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which aims to empower girls through sports, education and financial literacy.

July 17, 2023: Angel Reese Court Dedication

On July 17, 2023, the newly renovated basketball court at the Scotts Branch Recreation Activity Center in Reese's hometown of Randallstown, Maryland, was named the Angel Reese Court.

August 2023: "Back-to-School Giveback Block Party"

In August 2023, the Reese foundation hosted the "Back-to-School Giveback Block Party", to provide school supplies to students. Reese also made a $12,000 donation to the Joan & Bert Hash Fund to cover tuition expenses for a member of the St. Frances Academy girls basketball team.

October 2023: Sports Illustrated Money Issue Cover

In October 2023, Angel Reese was featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Money Issue, titled "Generation NIL", alongside Livvy Dunne, recognizing her success with name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.

October 17, 2023: Endorsement Deal with Reebok

On October 17, 2023, Angel Reese signed an endorsement deal with Reebok, drawn to the company by Shaquille O'Neal and becoming its first signing since O'Neal took the role of president of basketball.

2023: Cousin Jordan Hawkins Wins NCAA Championship

In 2023, Angel Reese's cousin, Jordan Hawkins, helped the UConn Huskies men's team win the NCAA championship.

2023: Instagram Following Growth

In 2023, Angel Reese's social media following grew rapidly after her junior season in college. She surpassed 1 million Instagram followers by the end of the NCAA tournament.

May 6, 2024: Met Gala Attendance

On May 6, 2024, Angel Reese attended the annual Met Gala in New York City.

May 2024: Part Owner of DC Power FC

In May 2024, Angel Reese became a part owner of the USL Super League professional soccer team DC Power FC.

August 2024: Sponsorship Deal with Reese's

In August 2024, Angel Reese signed a sponsorship deal with the Hershey's chocolate and candy brand Reese's, including an apparel collection.

September 2024: Podcast Launch

In September 2024, Angel Reese started a podcast called Unapologetically Angel on the Playmaker network.

October 2024: Partnership with Cash App and Community Basketball Court Renovation

In October 2024, the Reese foundation and digital wallet service, Cash App, announced a partnership to promote financial literacy, with Reese leading Cash App's “That’s Money” campaign. The foundation also announced the renovation of a community basketball court in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

January 2025: Most Followed WNBA Player

By January 2025, Angel Reese gained 4.6 million Instagram followers, making her the most followed player in the WNBA.

January 2025: Vogue Cover Star

In January 2025, Angel Reese featured as the cover star for Vogue magazine's winter issue, profiling the convergence of sports and fashion in her career.

February 2025: McDonald's Special Meal

In February 2025, Angel Reese collaborated with McDonald's on a special meal named after her, The Angel Reese Special, which consists of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, bacon, and barbecue sauce, as well as medium fries and a medium soft drink. Reese is the first female athlete that McDonald's has named a meal after.