WNBA star Angel Reese is known for her fierce competitiveness on the court and her unapologetic confidence off it — but in her latest sit-down interview, the Chicago Sky forward opened up in raw, emotional detail about her complicated relationship with the media, saying she’s often been “misunderstood, misquoted, and misjudged.”
The 22-year-old, who has become one of the most polarizing figures in women’s basketball, didn’t hold back as she reflected on her rapid rise to fame, the scrutiny she’s faced since college, and how she’s learned to balance authenticity with public perception.
“I’ve learned to stop trying to please everyone,” Reese said bluntly.
“The media loves a good story — especially when it’s about me. But not every story is true, and not every headline tells who I really am.”
💬 “Y’all Love to Twist My Words”
Reese’s comments come after a year of intense public attention — from her viral moments during the NCAA Tournament with LSU to her transition into the WNBA spotlight.
She admitted that while she appreciates coverage that highlights women’s basketball, she often feels that the narrative surrounding her is unfairly shaped by bias or clickbait.
“Sometimes I’ll read something and think, ‘That’s not even what I said,’” Reese explained.
“It’s like people already have their minds made up about me. If I’m confident, I’m called cocky. If I speak up, I’m labeled dramatic. But if someone else does it, they’re passionate or competitive.”
The statement echoed sentiments many athletes have expressed recently — particularly women of color in sports who feel their emotions and confidence are often portrayed negatively.
🏀 From College Stardom to Media Target
Angel Reese’s fame skyrocketed during her 2023 NCAA Championship run with LSU, when her “You Can’t See Me” gesture toward Iowa star Caitlin Clark became one of the most viral moments in sports.
While the moment turned Reese into a cultural icon, it also made her a lightning rod for criticism.
She was both celebrated as a symbol of swagger and empowerment — and vilified by certain corners of the media for what they called “poor sportsmanship.”
“That’s when I realized how different the coverage can be,” Reese recalled.
“It was the same energy I’d been seeing from other players, but the reaction was completely different when I did it.”
Despite the criticism, Reese turned the moment into a career-defining statement, signing major endorsement deals, launching her own brand collaborations, and emerging as one of the WNBA’s most marketable young stars.
Still, she says the pressure of being constantly in the public eye has taken a toll.
“I’m still human,” she said. “Sometimes I have to take a break from my phone just to breathe. It’s not always easy waking up and seeing your name trending for the wrong reasons.”
📸 Living in the Spotlight
Reese’s combination of athletic excellence, bold fashion choices, and unapologetic personality has kept her at the center of sports and pop culture conversations.
From walking the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to appearing courtside at NBA and boxing events, Reese’s off-court presence has made her one of the most recognizable faces in the WNBA.
However, she insists that the spotlight comes with challenges few truly understand.
“People think fame makes everything easier — but sometimes it makes everything harder,” she admitted.
“Every outfit, every quote, every move gets picked apart. I can’t even go to dinner without someone judging what I’m wearing or who I’m with.”
Despite that, Reese said she’s proud to use her platform to speak openly about confidence, mental health, and women’s empowerment.
“I know little girls are watching me,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going. I want them to see that it’s okay to be confident, it’s okay to stand up for yourself, and it’s okay to not fit everyone’s idea of ‘perfect.’”
🧠 Mental Health and Maturity
Reese has also become an advocate for mental health awareness among athletes. She’s spoken before about needing to “protect her peace” — especially in the face of relentless criticism.
“When you’re in the spotlight, people forget that you still have feelings,” she said.
“I’ve had to grow up fast. I’ve learned to stop reading everything, stop responding to everything, and just focus on my game and my happiness.”
Her Chicago Sky teammates have echoed similar sentiments, praising her resilience and leadership.
“Angel’s been through a lot for someone her age,” said Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon.
“But she handles it with grace. She’s learning when to speak and when to just let her game do the talking.”
💅 Taking Control of the Narrative
Rather than letting the media define her, Reese says she’s now taking control of her own story — using social media and direct platforms to connect with fans.
“I’d rather tell my truth myself,” she said.
“I know who I am — I don’t need anyone else to write that for me.”
Her posts often blend confidence with vulnerability — from glamorous red carpet looks to motivational captions about self-worth and discipline. It’s a balance that’s helped reshape how fans see her beyond the headlines.
“I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes. But I’m growing every day,” Reese said.
“And the people who really know me — my family, my teammates, my real supporters — they see that.”
🔥 A New Chapter Ahead
As she looks ahead to another WNBA season, Reese says her focus is on improving as a player while continuing to inspire the next generation.
“At the end of the day, I love this game,” she said.
“I just want to play, compete, and be myself — no filters, no fake stories, just me.”
Her message to critics and the media was simple but powerful:
“You don’t have to like me. But you will respect me.”
