Angel Reese HAS NEVER BEEN INTERESTED IN fitting neatly INTO ONE BOX.

Since hitting the national stage during her championship run at Louisiana State University, Reese has become one of the most recognizable faces in sports—as a rising star for the Chicago Sky, not to mention her influence in fashion, media, and business. From launching her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, to securing major brand partnerships and expanding the work of the Angel C. Reese Foundation, she’s building a career that extends far beyond the court.

But at the center of Reese’s growing empire is the same competitive spirit that was nurtured at home by a family of athletes. She refuses to shrink in spaces where women are still fighting for equal recognition, and her vision for creating a lasting legacy rooted in impact, authenticity, and unapologetic ambition. Frankly, we’re all better for having witnessed her come on (but she’s only getting started). Read about Angel Reese’s journey in her C&C 100 interview below.

What’s your earliest memory of feeling connected to basketball?

It started at home! My mom played, and my whole family is competitive so I was always in the gym.

When did you realize this wasn’t just something you loved, but something you wanted to pursue seriously?

It was high school when I started getting national attention but honestly, I’ve always had that mindset.

What’s a behind-the-scenes wellness habit that plays a major role in how you show up each day?

Taking care of my body and my mind. Recovery is everything—whether that’s stretching, getting treatment, or just taking time to reset mentally and protect my peace.

As a professional woman athlete, how do you navigate spaces where women still don’t get the same equal footing as men?

I walk in like I belong—because I do. I’m big on using my voice and not shrinking myself. We’ve earned our place and I’m always going to advocate for that, not just for me but for the next generation too.

When the stakes are high and all eyes are on you, what keeps you steady and confident in those moments?

Confidence comes from preparation. I know the work I’ve put in—that’s what keeps me grounded and locked in.

“I walk in like I belong—because I do.”

What’s something people often misunderstand about what you do?

That I should tone it down. I’ve never been that person—I’m always going to be unapologetically me, on and off the court.

How do you think your presence in women’s basketball is shifting or influencing the culture?

I’m unapologetically myself. I think I’ve shown that you can be confident, expressive, into fashion, into business—and still dominate on the court. You don’t have to fit into one box.

What dreams/goals do you have post-retirement that both excite and scare you?

I know that basketball doesn’t last forever, so I want to continue to build my empire—across business, fashion, media, giving back through my foundation, and more.

How do you define success for yourself now vs. earlier in your career?

On the court it’s always been the same: I want to win. Off the court it’s about impact, legacy, giving back to the communities that raised me and paying it forward to the next generation.