Angel Reese’s Journey to the WNBA: The Role of Kim Mulkey
Angel Reese’s ascent in women’s basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. From her early years in Maryland to her time at LSU under legendary coach Kim Mulkey, Reese has established herself as one of the most talented players in the nation. A force on the court, Reese has set her sights on the WNBA, a goal that seemed far off in the beginning, but with each passing year, became more and more tangible. Much of her growth as a player can be attributed to the guidance of her coach, Kim Mulkey, a three-time NCAA champion and one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball. Reese’s success story is a testament to how Mulkey’s coaching philosophy, mentorship, and expectations helped shape her into a WNBA-caliber player.
Angel Reese’s talent was apparent from a young age. Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, she was a standout high school player, earning national recognition for her scoring and rebounding prowess. However, Reese’s potential was not just limited to her natural ability. Her hard work and determination to improve, combined with her desire to play at the highest level, set her apart from her peers. When it came time to choose a college, Reese’s path seemed uncertain, but the stage was set for her to join a powerhouse program.
After a brief stint at the University of Maryland, Reese transferred to LSU, a decision that would prove pivotal in her basketball career. At LSU, Reese encountered the legendary Kim Mulkey, whose coaching resume included NCAA championships at Baylor and a reputation for transforming talented players into winners. Reese credits Mulkey for much of her success in the game, highlighting how Mulkey’s emphasis on discipline, mental toughness, and an unyielding competitive spirit played a key role in her development.
Kim Mulkey is known for her no-nonsense approach to coaching. She demands discipline, dedication, and respect from her players. She’s a coach who leads by example, showing her players the value of hard work and pushing them to be better both on and off the court. Under Mulkey’s leadership, Reese was challenged in ways she had never experienced before, and that’s something Reese has credited for her success.
One of the hallmarks of Mulkey’s coaching style is her emphasis on accountability. She believes that every player, regardless of their talent, must earn their minutes on the court. Mulkey’s approach is tough but fair, demanding her players give their best in practice and games. Reese, who was already a talented player, found this to be an incredibly valuable lesson. It wasn’t just about what she could do on the court, but how she approached the game mentally and emotionally.
“Coach Mulkey taught me to be tough, both physically and mentally,” Reese said in an interview after her time at LSU. “She never let me get too comfortable, and that pushed me to work harder every day. She always believed in me, but she also made me believe in myself.”
Reese’s time at LSU under Mulkey’s tutelage was a transformative period in her career. After transferring from Maryland, Reese quickly became one of the most dominant players in women’s college basketball. Mulkey recognized Reese’s unique skill set—a rare combination of size, strength, and agility—and used it to her advantage. Reese’s versatility, particularly her ability to score, rebound, and defend, was crucial to LSU’s success.
Mulkey’s coaching staff worked tirelessly with Reese to refine her skills. In particular, Mulkey helped Reese focus on her defense, making it a central part of her game. Mulkey’s emphasis on defensive fundamentals became one of Reese’s strengths. The focus on both sides of the ball allowed Reese to play a complete game, and her defensive presence in the paint became one of the defining aspects of her play.
Throughout her time at LSU, Reese’s leadership and confidence grew. Under Mulkey, she evolved from a raw, talented player into one of the most complete players in the country. It wasn’t just her on-court abilities that were fine-tuned; Reese also grew in terms of leadership and mental fortitude. Mulkey pushed her to embrace the role of a leader, both vocally and through her actions on the court.
By her senior year at LSU, Angel Reese had become a force to be reckoned with. Her game had matured in every sense of the word—she was more refined offensively, she dominated on the boards, and her defensive presence was second to none. It was in this final season that Reese truly put everything together, and it paid off.
Mulkey’s guidance throughout the season was evident, as Reese led LSU to great success in the NCAA tournament. Her ability to perform in high-pressure situations became a hallmark of her game. In a key victory for LSU, Reese put on an all-around performance that helped secure their spot in the Final Four. It was moments like these that cemented her legacy at LSU and prepared her for the next chapter: the WNBA.
After her successful college career, Reese declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft, and the transition to the professional game came with its own set of challenges. While the WNBA is a more competitive and fast-paced league than college basketball, Reese’s time with Mulkey at LSU had equipped her with the tools necessary to succeed. Mulkey’s focus on toughness, discipline, and playing a complete game helped Reese mentally prepare for the next level.
The WNBA presents a new set of challenges, but Reese has the confidence and skillset to navigate the transition. She is an incredibly versatile player, and in the WNBA, where versatility is key, Reese’s ability to play both forward spots and impact the game in multiple ways makes her a valuable asset. Moreover, her defensive tenacity, which Mulkey had instilled in her, is something that will be a huge advantage in the pro league, where defense is a critical component of winning.
Reese’s mindset, which was sharpened under Mulkey, is perhaps her greatest asset moving forward. In interviews leading up to the draft, Reese spoke about how Mulkey helped her understand the mental side of the game—how to stay focused, how to be resilient, and how to handle adversity. These are qualities that will serve her well as she enters the highly competitive WNBA.
Kim Mulkey’s coaching philosophy has had a profound impact on Angel Reese, shaping her into the player she is today. Mulkey is known for her ability to develop players both on and off the court, and Reese is a prime example of the success that can come from Mulkey’s system. Mulkey’s insistence on discipline, accountability, and toughness provided Reese with the tools she needed to thrive at LSU and, now, in the WNBA.
But Mulkey’s influence extends beyond just basketball. She instilled in Reese a sense of self-belief that transcends the court. The mental strength and leadership that Mulkey helped Reese develop are qualities that will define her as she takes the next step in her career. Reese is not just a talented player; she is a player who understands the work that goes into success, and that work ethic was shaped under the watchful eye of Kim Mulkey.
Angel Reese’s success in the WNBA is a direct result of the lessons she learned under the guidance of Kim Mulkey at LSU. Mulkey’s coaching philosophy has helped mold Reese into a well-rounded player, ready to take on the challenges of the professional game. As Reese embarks on her WNBA journey, she carries with her the teachings and the mentality that Mulkey instilled in her, ensuring that her success will continue to grow. Through discipline, toughness, and a relentless pursuit of greatness, Angel Reese has all the tools to make a significant impact in the WNBA, and Kim Mulkey’s influence will remain an integral part of her story.
