Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky All-Star, recently shared her experience with cyberbullying following the 2023 national championship game against Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. In an interview with ESPN, she discussed how the sudden influx of online negativity impacted her life, forcing her to change her lifestyle. Reese, who was part of the LSU Tigers’ team that won the championship, noted that the attention brought both positive and negative consequences. After the victory, her life changed dramatically, and she faced an overwhelming amount of cyberbullying, including personal information being exposed online.
Reese admitted that she initially struggled with the negativity, especially since she had never experienced such a large online presence before. However, she has since built a thicker skin and is now more open to discussing the issue. She emphasized the importance of community support, stating that not everyone has the same resilience. Her campaign aims to raise awareness about cyberbullying and provide a platform for those affected to seek support. The experience has also made her more conscious of the need for positive transformation from negative experiences.
The 2023 national championship game between LSU and Iowa, which featured a notable incident between Reese and Caitlin Clark, sparked a rivalry between the two basketball stars. This rivalry has since evolved into a broader discussion about the pressures faced by young athletes and the challenges of managing fame. Reese has become more connected to her WNBA teammates this year, which she credits as a significant part of her growth. She also mentioned how the WNBA environment has provided a supportive network that she values deeply, helping her navigate the complexities of her public life.
Reese’s ongoing efforts to address cyberbullying highlight the importance of mental health and community support in sports. Her experience underscores the need for greater awareness and resources for athletes dealing with online harassment. Meanwhile, her performance in the WNBA continues to impress, with her impressive averages of 14 points and 12.6 rebounds for the Chicago Sky. As she prepares for her second WNBA All-Star Game, her focus remains on both her career and her advocacy efforts, demonstrating the impact she can have beyond the court.