Angel Reese, the queen of the court and now the queen of clapbacks, is proving yet again why she’s a force to be reckoned with—on and off the hardwood. The LSU star, who’s as known for her dazzling play as for her bold personality, recently sent shockwaves through social media after rocking a jaw-dropping New Year’s Eve dress. And boy, did the internet lose its collective mind.
Apparently, some corners of social media think a female athlete can’t dribble a basketball and slay a red carpet in the same lifetime. The backlash? So intense, Reese decided to temporarily pull the plug on her Instagram account. Yes, the trolls got loud, but as we all know, Angel Reese doesn’t stay quiet for long.
In the latest episode of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, Reese tackled the negativity head-on during a chat with comedian and model Pretty Vee. She didn’t just address the criticism; she dunked on it, no-look-pass style.
“People act like being pretty and playing basketball is mutually exclusive,” Reese said. “They’re so used to putting black women in boxes, as if we’re some kind of one-trick pony. Newsflash: We can shoot threes, look fabulous, and work harder than half the people criticizing us. Y’all just mad I can do both.”
But she wasn’t done. Reese went on to torch the idea that athletes can’t have range, calling out the absurd double standards. “It’s like they can’t process that someone can love fashion and still grind in the gym,” she quipped. “Social media has killed nuance—it’s like, ‘Oh no, she wore a dress, she must’ve forgotten how to play basketball.’ Make it make sense!”
Work Hard, Slay Harder
To those questioning her work ethic, Angel Reese has one thing to say: check the receipts. She’s been clocking hours in the gym this offseason, preparing to dominate in the inaugural Unrivaled season. Fashion might be her passion, but basketball remains her bread and butter.
And speaking of fashion, Reese recently graced the cover of Vogue’s winter issue alongside Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas. In her interview, she revealed that her love for style started at a young age, raiding her mom’s closet for runway-worthy outfits.
“I was always the kid with her hair done, carrying a purse, practicing my walk in the living room while watching America’s Next Top Model,” she said. “I wanted to look put together—always. That’s who I am. Basketball and fashion have always been my thing.”
Confidence: A Family Heirloom
Reese credits her unshakable confidence to her mother and grandmother, both basketball players themselves. Growing up, they instilled in her a belief that she could conquer anything—whether it was a full-court press or a sea of online trolls.
“When you know who you are, social media can’t touch you,” Reese said. “The internet can speculate, criticize, and troll, but at the end of the day, I’m still me. And honestly? That’s their problem, not mine.”
The Final Buzzer
Angel Reese is a living, breathing reminder that athletes are more than their stats. She’s redefining what it means to be a professional athlete in the spotlight, blending sport, style, and unshakable swagger.
So, to all the haters out there: keep typing. Reese will keep winning—on the court, in the gym, and, yes, in her fabulous New Year’s dress.
