BRAVO! An important milestone that solidifies LSU women’s basketball legend Angel Reese’s status is her inclusion in TIME 100 magazine’s list of the 100 most influential individuals in sports.
BRAVO! An important milestone that solidifies LSU women’s basketball legend Angel Reese’s status is her inclusion in TIME 100 magazine’s list of the 100 most influential individuals in sports. This distinction is more than just a line in a résumé or a symbolic nod from the media; it is a meaningful acknowledgment of how Angel Reese has transcended her sport to become a cultural icon, a voice for young athletes, and a powerful example of how women in sports can command attention, respect, and influence across social and professional boundaries. Her selection to the TIME 100 is a defining moment that encapsulates a journey marked by resilience, excellence, confidence, and an unyielding belief in herself and her identity.
Angel Reese’s path to this moment was not paved with ease or uniform admiration. From the early days of her collegiate career to her national rise with LSU, she has been both celebrated and criticized, sometimes in the same breath. Yet, it is this duality—her ability to thrive in the spotlight while navigating the sharp edges of public opinion—that makes her so influential. She has not merely succeeded in basketball; she has redefined what it means to be a woman athlete in today’s media landscape, where personality, activism, and authenticity are as important as performance on the court.
Reese’s impact became truly undeniable during LSU’s 2023 national championship run. Her standout performances in the NCAA tournament, combined with her unapologetic confidence and charismatic leadership, turned heads across the country. But it was more than just statistics that made people take notice. Her gestures, her words, her presence—they all contributed to a narrative that women athletes, especially Black women athletes, can and should be proud of their dominance. Her “you can’t see me” hand wave became both a celebration and a statement, sparking national debates about sportsmanship, double standards, and race. Through it all, Angel Reese remained firm in who she was. She did not shrink from criticism or conform to expectations; instead, she leaned into her truth and brought others along with her.
Being named to TIME 100 cements what many already knew—Angel Reese is not just a basketball star. She is a cultural force. What makes her influence particularly potent is how layered and multifaceted it is. She’s an athlete, but also a role model, a social media presence, a fashion figure, a businesswoman, and an advocate. Her influence spans generations and demographics. Young girls who watch her play see someone who not only wins but wins her way. She is stylish and brash, yet disciplined and strategic. Her ability to balance her sports persona with savvy branding off the court has made her a pioneer in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era, where college athletes can now profit from their fame. In many ways, Reese has become a blueprint for how to succeed in this new landscape.
Her financial success and endorsements did not come by accident. Angel Reese understood early on that her value extended beyond the basketball court. By embracing her social media presence and maintaining control over her narrative, she turned attention into opportunity. Whether it was through brand partnerships, magazine features, or public speaking engagements, she made sure her voice resonated far and wide. This level of influence is significant because it reflects a larger shift in how female athletes are perceived—not just as competitors, but as entrepreneurs and cultural leaders.
There’s also something deeply inspirational about how Angel Reese has dealt with pressure and scrutiny. Her ability to maintain poise in the face of controversy speaks to a strength that goes beyond athleticism. When detractors tried to diminish her accomplishments by painting her as too loud or too cocky, she doubled down on her self-confidence. She made it clear that she would not tone herself down to make others more comfortable. This unfiltered confidence has inspired countless others who may feel pressured to dim their light in order to fit into traditional molds. Reese’s rise is proof that being true to oneself is not a liability, but a strength—and a pathway to greatness.
One cannot talk about Angel Reese without acknowledging her importance in conversations about race and representation. She has become a symbol for many young Black women who see in her a reflection of their own struggles and dreams. She navigates a world that often scrutinizes Black athletes more harshly than their white counterparts, yet she does so with a level of grace and fire that commands attention. Her inclusion in TIME 100 sends a powerful message that the voices and stories of Black women matter and that they deserve to be heard, celebrated, and honored.
It’s also worth noting that her influence is not confined to basketball. Reese has made a deliberate effort to speak out on issues that matter to her, including mental health, body positivity, and self-love. She’s transparent about the ups and downs of being in the public eye, offering a rare window into the challenges that come with fame. This vulnerability, paired with her fearlessness, makes her relatable and magnetic. In a time where authenticity is often commodified, Reese’s realness feels like a breath of fresh air.
In many ways, Angel Reese is ushering in a new era for women’s sports. For decades, female athletes have had to fight for recognition, equal pay, and fair coverage. Reese’s meteoric rise—and the way she has navigated it—represents a shift in the power dynamics of sports media and branding. She’s not waiting for permission or validation. She’s taking up space and building her own platform. And she’s doing it on her own terms.
Being part of the TIME 100 list is a rare and prestigious honor. It’s not just about being good at what you do—it’s about shaping the world around you. It’s about having the courage to lead, to speak, to act. Angel Reese’s inclusion is not just a personal victory; it’s a cultural milestone. It tells young athletes that their voice matters, that their story matters, and that their influence can reach far beyond the field or the court. It reaffirms that sports are not just about competition but about identity, community, and transformation.
Angel Reese is still young, and her story is far from over. Her inclusion in TIME 100 is a marker of what she has already achieved, but it’s also a preview of what’s to come. With her talent, intellect, and charisma, there is no ceiling to what she might accomplish. Whether she continues to dominate on the basketball court, ventures into media or business, or takes on new roles as an advocate or public figure, the foundation she’s built will support whatever comes next. And she will undoubtedly bring others with her, just as she always has.
There’s something electrifying about watching someone live fully in their power. Angel Reese is doing just that. She’s not afraid to challenge norms or spark conversations. She’s not afraid to be disliked if it means being honest. And she’s not afraid to shine, even when it makes others uncomfortable. That fearlessness is what makes her so influential. It’s what makes her worthy of the accolades and attention. And it’s what makes her inclusion in TIME 100 such a profound and fitting honor.
In a world that often underestimates young women, especially those who defy traditional molds, Angel Reese stands tall as a beacon of what’s possible. Her story reminds us that influence is not about fitting in—it’s about standing out. It’s about being bold enough to claim your space and wise enough to know what to do with it. Angel Reese has done just that, and the world is better for it. Her place in the TIME 100 is a well-deserved recognition of her impact, but it is also a challenge to the rest of us—to celebrate authenticity, to uplift diverse voices, and to never underestimate the power of someone who dares to be great.
