Chicago Sky star Angel Reese recently opened up about her journey from humble beginnings to WNBA stardom, sharing a poignant glimpse into her life before fame and financial security.
The 22-year-old took to Instagram Stories to reflect on her early struggles, reposting a 2019 video of herself working at Smashburger while striving to balance her basketball aspirations. Reese described that period as her “humble beginnings,” shedding light on the grind it took to keep her dreams alive.
“I used to be broke, clocking in for work then going to practice. Smashburger days, IYKTYK,” Reese wrote. “Sometimes I used to literally work from 10 AM to 10 PM.”
Despite the grueling schedule, Reese’s dedication to basketball remained steadfast. Her talent blossomed as she transitioned from high school to college basketball, initially playing for the Maryland Terrapins before transferring to LSU.
At LSU, she solidified her place as one of the sport’s brightest stars, earning the title of Most Outstanding Player (MOP) during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, where she helped lead the Tigers to a national championship.
Reese’s on-court success catapulted her into the spotlight, coinciding with the rise of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era.
She quickly became one of the highest-earning student-athletes, securing partnerships with major brands like Beats by Dre, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs. Her ability to leverage her brand and talent turned her into a household name beyond the basketball court.
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Now a standout for the Chicago Sky, Reese continues to make waves both in the WNBA and in the business world. She has inked a multi-year deal with Reebok, with plans for a signature sneaker to debut in 2026.
Additionally, Reese partnered with the iconic Reese’s brand for the launch of Reese’s Puffs cereal and the Angel x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection, cementing her as a major player in sports marketing.
Reese’s story serves as an inspiration, showing how hard work, resilience, and determination can pave the way to success.
From long shifts at Smashburger to dominating on the basketball court, she’s proven that perseverance pays off, and her journey is just getting started.
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