After LSU star Angel Reese’s team suffered a 94-87 defeat to Iowa in Monday’s Elite Eight game of the 2024 NCAA women’s tournament, basketball was not the only thing occupying her mind.
Addressing reporters, Reese revealed the weight she carries beyond the court. “I just try to stay strong,” she stated. “I’ve been through so much. I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times. Death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened. I’ve been so many things, and I’ve stood strong every single time. … I’m still human. All this has happened since I won the national championship, and I said the other day, I haven’t been happy since then.”
Standing alongside her, Reese’s teammates rallied in her support. Flau’jae Johnson emphasized, “Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but, y’all don’t know her. Y’all don’t know Angel Reese. I know Angel Reese. I know the real Angel Reese. And the person I see every day is a strong person. She’s a caring and loving person.”
HVL on Angel Reese: pic.twitter.com/2MmqREL8af
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) April 2, 2024
Hailey Van Lith echoed similar sentiments, expressing solidarity with her teammate.
Reese’s journey to prominence began at Maryland before she made headlines upon transferring to LSU in the 2022-23 season. That season catapulted her into the national spotlight as she spearheaded the Tigers to a national championship, earning First-Team All-American honors with remarkable averages of 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game.
However, her championship victory over Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes became clouded with controversy, particularly when Reese gestured towards her ring finger and taunted the Iowa guard. Despite this, Clark defended Reese, emphasizing that criticism was unwarranted.
"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all."
Caitlin Clark said she thought Angel Reese received too much backlash for her celebrations during the championship game. (via @OTLonESPN) pic.twitter.com/i8tZyO8bai
— ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2023
Yet, Reese’s recent comments suggest that the aftermath of that victory has been fraught with adversity, including threats and other distressing actions that have taken a toll on her well-being.
Nevertheless, amidst such challenges, Reese played a pivotal role in guiding the Tigers through another successful season in 2023-24, earning Second-Team All-American honors. Although LSU fell short of securing another national title due to a loss to Iowa in the rematch, Reese found solace in the unwavering support of her teammates, emphasizing a bond that transcends the realm of basketball.
