Angel Reese, one of the standout stars in women’s basketball, has faced her fair share of struggles on the road to success. Despite the limelight she’s in now, Reese’s journey has been marked by personal hardships, including growing up without a father and overcoming significant mental and emotional barriers during her college career. Recently, Reese opened up about one of the hardest chapters of her life, sharing details about the struggles that have shaped her into the athlete and person she is today.
The Struggles of Growing Up Without a Father
Angel Reese was raised by her mother, Angel Webb Reese, after her parents separated. While not financially destitute, Reese grew up with a strong sense of resilience and determination. Her mother instilled in her a mindset that would push her to succeed despite the odds. Reese recalls the challenges of growing up without a father figure and how those early years taught her the value of hard work.
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“We didn’t grow up poor, but we didn’t have all the luxury,” Reese has said in previous interviews, reflecting on how she had to hustle and grind from an early age. The absence of financial stability meant that everything she achieved would come through sheer effort. This work ethic became a cornerstone of her success as she pursued her dreams in basketball.
College Years: Battling Doubts and Mental Struggles
When Reese entered LSU, she was already a talented player, but her journey wasn’t without setbacks. The first season after her championship win was tough, and rumors about her academic performance began circulating. Reese was sidelined from games during the early part of her college career, with speculations about poor grades and low GPA spreading across social media.
However, the truth was more complicated. Reese later revealed that the reason she wasn’t playing wasn’t just academic—it was mental stress. “I was failing because I wasn’t mentally where I needed to be,” she explained on her podcast Unapologetically Angel. The pressure of being in the spotlight, combined with intense public scrutiny, made it hard to focus on the game.
Dealing With Public Criticism and Mental Health
The rumors around Reese’s benching were damaging. After LSU’s loss to Colorado, critics came out in full force, suggesting Reese was more concerned with her image than her game. “Social media blew me up in both a positive and negative light. For me, it was hard to balance both,” Reese shared in an interview.
Despite the challenges, Reese found strength in her mother’s support. Her determination to make her mother proud kept her going. “I always wanted to look my mom in the eye and say, ‘You don’t have any debts. I went to school for free.’” For Reese, succeeding for her mother was the driving force that helped her push through these difficult times.
How Angel Reese Overcame Adversity to Achieve Success
Despite the hardships she faced, Reese never let them define her. Raised by her mother, who played basketball at the University of Maryland and had a professional stint in Luxembourg, Angel’s love for the game was rooted in family. Her father, Michael Reese, was a basketball player as well, having played for Boston College and Loyola University. However, it was her mother who encouraged Angel to pursue basketball seriously after the couple’s split.
Reese’s road to success wasn’t easy. There were many days when she didn’t want to get out of bed, let alone go to practice. But she persevered, knowing that the sacrifices made by her mother were worth repaying. As Reese put it, “I have to grind and do this now, because everything I have is a result of hard work.”
The Importance of Hard Work and Humility in Angel Reese’s Journey
Through all the adversity, Angel Reese has always remained humble. While others may have taken their privileges for granted, Reese worked for everything she achieved. Looking back at her journey, she appreciates the way she was raised. “Knowing that [hard work and struggles] makes me appreciate the way I was raised. I’ll always be humble, knowing that this wasn’t just given to me—I had to really, really work for it,” she said.
Now, as a professional player for the Chicago Sky, Reese enjoys the fruits of her labor. But she hasn’t forgotten the challenges that shaped her. Those challenges didn’t just build her basketball skills—they built her character. And for Reese, the greatest reward is knowing that she made her mother proud.
FAQ Section
1. What challenges did Angel Reese face growing up?
Angel Reese faced the challenge of growing up without a father, relying solely on her mother’s support. Despite not having financial luxury, her mother’s sacrifices instilled a strong work ethic in her.
2. Why was Angel Reese sidelined during her college years?
Reese was sidelined not because of academic failure, as rumors suggested, but due to mental stress. The pressures of being in the spotlight and dealing with social media criticism took a toll on her mental health.
3. How did Angel Reese overcome the public criticism she faced?
Reese overcame the criticism by relying on the support of her mother and focusing on her ultimate goal: making her mother proud and proving her doubters wrong.
4. What role did Angel Reese’s mother play in her success?
Reese’s mother, a former basketball player herself, was instrumental in encouraging Reese to pursue basketball. She was also the driving force behind Reese’s work ethic and determination.
5. How did Angel Reese balance her mental struggles and basketball?
Reese acknowledged the difficulties she faced mentally, but through determination and a strong support system, especially from her mother, she was able to get back on track and continue her basketball career.
