BRAVO! Angel Reese, a legend of LSU women’s basketball, has achieved a significant milestone by being recognized by TIME 100 magazine as one of the 100 most important individuals in sports.
Angel Reese, a name that has become synonymous with excellence, resilience, and empowerment in women’s sports, continues to etch her legacy into the annals of athletic greatness. The former LSU women’s basketball standout has achieved another monumental milestone: being recognized by TIME magazine as one of the TIME100 Next — one of the 100 most influential individuals shaping the future of sports. This distinction is not merely a personal accolade but a testament to the broader evolution of women’s athletics and the cultural power athletes now wield beyond the court.
Reese’s recognition by TIME is deeply significant, not only for what she has accomplished but for what she represents. In an era when athletes are increasingly expected to be more than competitors — to be advocates, entrepreneurs, cultural commentators, and icons — Reese has excelled in all facets. Her journey, shaped by perseverance and unyielding confidence, has inspired a generation of young athletes, especially young Black women, who see in her a reflection of themselves and their limitless potential.
From her early days, Angel Reese stood out as a dominant force on the basketball court. Her high school career was decorated with accolades, and her status as a top recruit preceded her. Yet, it was at LSU that her legend truly began to take shape. Under the leadership of head coach Kim Mulkey, Reese became the centerpiece of a revitalized LSU women’s basketball program. Her tenacity, rebounding prowess, and unshakable self-belief helped lead the Tigers to the 2023 NCAA championship — a historic achievement that captured the nation’s attention and redefined the image of women’s college basketball.
What made that championship run so special was not just the stats or the wins, but the cultural impact that surrounded it. Reese’s expressive and unapologetic style drew both admiration and controversy. She was celebrated by many for her authenticity and charisma, even as detractors criticized her for behavior that male athletes have long displayed without scrutiny. Her “you can’t see me” gesture during the championship game, directed toward Caitlin Clark, sparked nationwide debate, exposing the double standards still deeply entrenched in the way female — and especially Black female — athletes are viewed. Rather than shrink from the spotlight, Reese leaned into it. She owned her moment, defended her actions, and used the platform to speak about respect, identity, and what it means to be a confident Black woman in sports.
TIME’s decision to honor Reese is a recognition of this exact spirit — the audacity to be excellent and the courage to be oneself in a world that often demands conformity. Reese is not just a basketball player. She is a brand, a leader, and a trailblazer. Since the championship, she has secured major endorsement deals, appeared in countless interviews, and built a strong presence on social media, where she connects directly with fans and speaks candidly about her experiences. Her NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) valuation has consistently placed her among the top-earning college athletes, male or female. She’s not just participating in the changing landscape of college athletics; she is helping shape it.
Her rise has also reignited critical conversations about representation in sports. Reese has often been vocal about the importance of visibility — how seeing someone who looks like you in a position of power can be transformational. She has used her growing influence to advocate for equity in women’s sports, for greater media attention, for fair compensation, and for the dismantling of racial and gender stereotypes. Every time she takes the court, gives an interview, or posts on social media, she reaffirms the idea that athletes, particularly women of color, deserve to be seen and heard on their own terms.
While accolades like the TIME100 Next are ostensibly about celebrating individual success, they are also a reflection of cultural tides. Angel Reese’s inclusion signals a broader acknowledgment of the role athletes play in society today. Sports are no longer just about physical prowess; they are about narrative, identity, community, and impact. Reese exemplifies this modern athlete archetype — someone who transcends the game itself to become a symbol of change.
Her journey hasn’t been without adversity. Injuries, criticism, and intense public scrutiny have all been part of her story. But through it all, Reese has shown remarkable resilience. Her nickname, the “Bayou Barbie,” is a clever nod to both her fashion-forward persona and her toughness. She embraces femininity and flash without compromising her competitive edge. This duality — of being both glamorous and gritty — has allowed her to break down long-held misconceptions about what a female athlete should be. She is proof that you can be bold, stylish, confident, and still dominate your sport.
Beyond basketball, Reese has also taken significant strides in education and entrepreneurship. She remained committed to her studies while navigating the demands of being a high-profile college athlete. Her business ventures and strategic brand partnerships are carefully curated to reflect her values and aspirations. Whether collaborating with major fashion labels or speaking at industry events, she brings the same energy and vision that define her on-court performances.
Reese’s influence also extends into philanthropy and community engagement. She frequently speaks about the importance of giving back and using her platform to uplift others. From hosting youth clinics to supporting social causes, she is invested in making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Her advocacy isn’t performative; it’s deeply personal and rooted in her lived experiences.
One of the most compelling aspects of Reese’s story is how organically her fame has grown. She didn’t set out to be a global icon — she simply committed to being excellent and authentic. That commitment resonated with people far beyond the basketball community. Fans see in her someone who defies categorization, someone who challenges norms while staying grounded in her purpose. In an age of curated perfection, Reese’s raw, unfiltered confidence is both refreshing and revolutionary.
As women’s sports continue to rise in prominence, figures like Angel Reese will play a pivotal role in shaping the next era. Her presence in TIME’s list is more than symbolic; it is a confirmation of her impact and a forecast of what is to come. She is part of a new generation of athletes who are unafraid to demand better — for themselves, for their teammates, and for the next wave of talent watching from the sidelines.
What comes next for Reese is an open road, full of possibilities. Whether she chooses to enter the WNBA, expand her entrepreneurial ventures, or take on a leadership role in activism and media, her foundation is solid. She has the charisma, intelligence, and drive to succeed in whatever arena she steps into. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences — young fans, corporate sponsors, social activists, and fellow athletes — makes her uniquely positioned to continue influencing the sports world and beyond.
The impact of Angel Reese is not contained by stats or trophies, though she has plenty of both. Her true legacy lies in how she has shifted the conversation. She has shown that excellence does not require assimilation, that confidence should not be mistaken for arrogance, and that success should be celebrated regardless of who embodies it. In honoring Reese, TIME is not just spotlighting an exceptional athlete — they are recognizing a movement that she has come to personify.
As she stands at the intersection of sports, culture, and influence, Angel Reese embodies what it means to be a 21st-century legend. Her journey is a reminder that greatness is not only measured by what you achieve but by how many doors you open for those who come after you. In that regard, her legacy is already secure. She is not just a champion on the court; she is a champion for change, for voice, for visibility.
Being named to TIME100 Next is not the culmination of Angel Reese’s story. It is a milestone along a path that promises even greater impact. As her star continues to rise, one thing is certain: Angel Reese is not just a player in the game — she is rewriting its rules.
