Angel Reese is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. Known as "Bayou Barbie" and "Chi Barbie", she gained prominence playing college basketball, first for the Maryland Terrapins and then for the LSU Tigers. Her college career was marked by notable achievements and a significant presence both on and off the court.
In 1975, Angie Scott was the last Maryland player to average a double-double before Angel Reese.
In 1977, Maree Jackson set the LSU single-game rebounding record, which was broken by Angel Reese in 2023.
On May 6, 2002, Angel Reese, later nicknamed "Bayou Barbie" and "Chi Barbie", was born. She would become a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky of the WNBA, after a successful college career.
In 2006, Sylvia Fowles set the program record for consecutive double-doubles, which Angel Reese later broke.
In 2017, Angel Reese attended trials for the United States team for the FIBA Under-16 Women's Americas Championship but was not named to the final roster.
In 2018, Angel Reese was a finalist for the Under-17 World Cup team but did not make the final roster.
On November 1, 2019, Angel Reese announced her commitment to the University of Maryland, becoming the highest-ranked recruit in the program's history.
In 2019, Angel Reese was named a finalist for the Under-19 World Cup team before withdrawing to play in the Nike EYBL.
In January 2020, Angel Reese's number 10 jersey was retired by St. Frances, making her the first female player to receive this honor. Also, her high school coach was fired for criticizing her behavior.
On November 27, 2020, Angel Reese made her debut for Maryland, recording a season-high 20 points and nine rebounds in a win over Davidson.
In 2020, Angel Reese was awarded McDonald's All-American honors and ranked the number two player in her class by ESPN while attending Saint Frances Academy.
In 2020, Angel Reese was considered a five-star recruit, the number two player and the top wing in her class by ESPN.
On February 23, 2021, Angel Reese returned to play after recovering from a Jones fracture in her right foot that she sustained in December.
In 2021, Angel Reese withdrew from consideration for the Under-19 World Cup for health reasons after receiving an invitation to team trials and being a finalist.
On April 5, 2022, Angel Reese entered the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start and a coach to develop her for the WNBA.
On May 6, 2022, Angel Reese's transfer to LSU was announced, motivated by trust in coach Kim Mulkey and a desire for a winning culture.
On April 8, 2023, Angel Reese was portrayed by comedian Punkie Johnson on Saturday Night Live, parodying her gesture at the end of the 2023 NCAA Division I championship game.
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.
In July 2023, Angel Reese announced the launch of the Angel C. Reese Foundation, aimed at empowering girls through sports, education, and financial literacy.
On July 17, 2023, the newly renovated basketball court at the Scotts Branch Recreation Activity Center in Randallstown, Maryland, was named the Angel Reese Court.
In October 2023, Angel Reese, alongside Livvy Dunne, was featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Money Issue, titled "Generation NIL", due to her success with NIL deals.
On October 17, 2023, Angel Reese signed an endorsement deal with Reebok, influenced by Shaquille O'Neal, becoming their first signing since O'Neal's move into the president of basketball role.
On November 14, 2023, Angel Reese was benched for the second half of a game against Kent State, which coach Mulkey described as a coach's decision.
In 2023, Angel Reese helped the United States win a silver medal at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup.
In 2023, Angel Reese was included in the Time 100 Next list and featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
In 2023, Angel Reese's social media following grew rapidly, surpassing 1 million Instagram followers by the end of the NCAA tournament.
In 2023, Reese debuted for the United States national team at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup in Mexico, contributing 11 points and 9 rebounds in her first game against Venezuela and later recording 13 points and 18 rebounds against Colombia. She helped the team win the silver medal.
On April 3, 2024, Angel Reese declared for the 2024 WNBA draft, where she was projected to be a first-round pick.
On May 15, 2024, Angel Reese made her WNBA debut, posting 12 points and eight rebounds in a loss to the Dallas Wings.
In May 2024, Angel Reese became a part owner of the USL Super League professional soccer team, DC Power FC.
On July 24, 2024, it was announced that Angel Reese would appear and play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a new women's 3x3 basketball league.
In August 2024, Angel Reese signed a sponsorship deal with Reese's, including an apparel collection.
In September 2024, Angel Reese started a podcast called Unapologetically Angel on the Playmaker network.
In 2024, Angel Reese was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 sports list.
In 2024, Angel Reese was selected by the Chicago Sky with the seventh overall pick in the WNBA draft. During her rookie season, she was named an WNBA All-Star and set the league single-season record in rebounds.
By January 2025, Angel Reese gained 4.6 million followers, making her the most followed player in the WNBA.
In January 2025, Vogue magazine announced that Angel Reese is the cover star of their winter issue.
In February 2025, Angel Reese collaborated with McDonald's on the Angel Reese Special, making her the first female athlete to have a meal named after her by the company.