Since the LSU Tigers women’s basketball national championship victory against the University of Iowa, Angel Reese has become the newest “it” girl on and off the court. During her interview with Teen Vogue, Reese confessed to taking online classes due to her growing fame and to avoid awkward run-ins with students on campus.
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“I don’t feel like I’m a celebrity, but I think a lot of people look at me as a celebrity now because of the impact I’ve had on not just women’s basketball, but sports in general, and Black women. Things have changed for me,” she said.
Things have certainly changed for the LSU’s forward since the team’s winning game. The 21-year-old secured several NIL contracts bringing in $1.6 million, has been featured on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and has snagged several brand campaign deals. The fame and opportunities that come with her basketball career are a plus, but Reese explained getting used to her every move being posted online has been the most significant adjustment.
“I didn’t think I was going to be on Shade Room every time I post something,” she said.
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Despite the fame, Reese has her head on tight as she focuses on killing this season and working her way up to the WNBA, TMZ reported.
“School’s first; basketball is next,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here without school and basketball, so that’s my priority.”
When asked how she feels about being famous and navigating negative comments and rumors, Reese explained that her thick skin has made working within the industry easier.
“I think I just had to have thick skin at a young age,” she said. “I was put on a platform; I was always going viral for basketball. I don’t want to say [my confidence] was natural, but [you] have to have thick skin going into this industry. The best of the best, they get credited, they get critiqued, they get negative comments about everything.”
