How Angel Reese Combines Faith and Basketball to Silence Critics in WNBA

Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s star rookie, made headlines once again, not just for her record-breaking performance on the court but for her heartfelt post-game reflections and a strong message to her critics. Following a historic game against the Phoenix Mercury, where the Sky fell 86-68, Angel Reese took to social media to share a Bible verse that resonated deeply with her amidst the pressures and challenges she faces as a rising WNBA star.

Angel Reese posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, citing Matthew 11:25-30, a verse that offers solace to those feeling “weary and burdened.” The passage reads: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” This post came after Reese’s remarkable achievement of securing her 20th double-double of the season, making her the fastest player in WNBA history to reach such a milestone in a single season.

Despite her extraordinary effort, which included 19 points, 20 rebounds, one assist, and one steal, Reese’s contributions were not enough to prevent the Sky from succumbing to the Mercury. This loss marks another chapter in a season that has been a rollercoaster for the Sky, now standing at an 11-16 record, clinging to the eighth spot in the standings.

Reese’s decision to turn to scripture highlights the mental and emotional toll that comes with being in the spotlight. As one of the most scrutinized players in the league, Reese’s every move, both on and off the court, is analyzed and often criticized. However, her post-game reflection suggests a deeper grounding in faith, something that appears to be her source of strength in navigating the pressures of professional sports.

Reese’s path to stardom has been anything but easy. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft has been the subject of both praise and criticism throughout her rookie season. Yet, instead of shying away from the negativity, Reese has faced it head-on. In a pre-game press conference before facing the Mercury, she addressed her critics directly.

“Just continue to be unapologetically me,” Angel Reese stated firmly. “There’s a lot of negativity, but you see all these people yelling my name. They still love me and the positivity, that gets me to wake up every day and still be me and still be positive. Through the negativity, I know there’s a lot of positivity with that.”

Her words echo the sentiments of many young athletes today who find themselves under the intense scrutiny of social media and public opinion. Reese, however, has chosen to focus on the positive, using it as fuel to propel her game to new heights. Her resilience is not just a testament to her athletic abilities but also to her mental fortitude in a league that often pits young stars against the weight of expectation.

In response to the constant barrage of negativity, Reese and the Chicago Sky have taken proactive steps to protect their players from online abuse. The team recently launched a powerful ad campaign aimed at combating hate speech and negativity directed towards players. In a bold move, they have also begun utilizing AI technology to filter out hateful posts, ensuring that such negativity doesn’t reach the players’ feeds. This initiative underscores the importance of mental health and well-being in professional sports, an issue that has gained increasing attention in recent years.

The Sky’s current standing in the league may not be where they hoped, but with a player like Angel Reese on their roster, the future looks promising. Her ability to channel criticism into motivation, coupled with her record-breaking performances, makes her one of the most exciting young talents to watch.

As the Sky prepare for their next game against the Connecticut Sun, fans and critics alike will be watching to see how Reese continues to handle the pressures of being a top-tier athlete. With her faith, determination, and a defiant attitude toward negativity, Angel Reese is not just making history—she’s shaping it on her own terms.