CULTURE
Angel Reese: The Bayou Barbie is Breaking Barriers
By: Jera Strony Edited by: Lauren Sorabella
Step aside Barbie, there’s a new girl in town. This 6’3” powerhouse from Louisiana State University has become one of the faces of women’s basketball, earning herself the nickname “Bayou Barbie.” Angel Reese and her fierce competitive spirit have made headlines nationwide, with some painting her as a hot-headed villain. But who is Angel Reese truly?
Reece has paved the way for women in sports, earning herself iconic brand deals and becoming a figure in fashion, all while raising the bar on the basketball court. Yet the devil of double standard and comparison follows her everywhere, often casting a shadow on her impressive accomplishments at the mere age of 22.
Born in Randallstown, Maryland, Angel Reese originally started her basketball career at the University of Maryland. Basketball was an integral part of her family, as both of Reese's parents, brother, and cousin played collegiate basketball. After Maryland suffered consecutive playoff losses, Angel decided to transfer to Louisiana State University, where she could embrace her competitive spirit. It was at LSU the iconic image of Angel Reese began to emerge.
When thinking about women's basketball, many are automatically drawn to the household name of Caitlin Clark. During Angel’s college career, it was no different. A rivalry, fabricated by social media, began to emerge between the two elite athletes.
Both Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese drew a large audience to women's college basketball, especially when they met in the 2023 National Championship. Those millions of eyes (and opinions) watched Angel Reese wave her hand in front of Clarks face in a gesture known as “You Can’t See Me.” Reese then went on to tap her ring finger, confident with LSU's fourth-quarter lead in the game. Both of these competitive gestures were directed at Caitlin Clark. LSU went on to claim the title but Reese faced unprecedented backlash for her actions, with thousands taking to social media claiming the actions were “unsportsmanlike” and “classless.”
The response to Reese’s actions allowed a deep-rooted double standard to emerge, both on the basis of race and gender. Caitlin Clark had used the same celebratory gesture just a few weeks earlier after beating Louisville, but there was no backlash or claims for lack of sportsmanship.
Pro-wrestler John Cena popularized the “You Can’t See Me” gesture during his wrestling career, but instead of it being deemed inappropriate, it became a signature celebration. So why when Reese decided to show off her confidence and pride in both herself and her team did she have astounding hate?
There is often a stigma that surrounds women with a competitive nature. Women are considered emotional and arrogant if they act confidently. However, if a man acts in the same manner, they are simply considered self-secure; their actions are justified. Men in both the NBA and college often can be seen trash-talking and throwing spiteful gestures at one another. These actions are disregarded or even praised. But when Angel Reese brought the same competitive nature to the women’s game, all anyone could talk about was how appalling she was.
Angel had led her team to win a National Championship but the media continued to focus on her “classlessness.”Angel told NBC News after the 2023 championship, “I don’t fit in a box that y’all want me to be in. I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto. But when other people do it, y’all say nothing.” Since 2023, Reese has called out both social media and the press for framing her in a negative light, blatantly calling out their racist bias.
When interviewing college students their opinions on Angel Reese, the results were very closely aligned with the majority opinion on social media. One man said that when he thinks of Reese he thinks of a “diva” or “supervillain of the WNBA.” Another said he knows “a lot of people hate her.” In both of these responses, neither knew too much about Angel Reese but had formed their opinion based on what they had heard in the media.
When I surveyed females their responses were more of the same tone saying Reese is “very self-centered” and “needs to shift her attitude to be a team player.” And yet another very frankly stated, “I don't like her at all.” Continuing with, “She thinks she's good but she can't play defense.”
The way the media presents a figure can have a crucial impact on how society as a whole views them. Since Reese has gained attention, the media has painted her as the supervillain, which is now how much of the population perceives her. Because people already have a preconceived notion of who Angel Reese is, they are less willing to change their opinion of her no matter what she does or accomplishes.
Angel Reese was named NCAA Most Outstanding Player in 2023, had 61 double-doubles at LSU, was named SEC Player of the Year in 2024, ESPY for Best Breakthrough Athlete in 2023, and was the seventh overall pick in the WNBA draft. Already, Reese has made a large impact in the WNBA after just one season. Contrary to what some may believe, the awards don’t lie. She continues to play with tenacity and competitive flair despite what others may think. Objectively, Reese is an extremely talented basketball player, but some have let their personal views of her diminish her remarkable accomplishments.
Despite the backlash and hate, Angel Reese has continued to build her brand and stay true to herself. Reese finished her career at LSU in 2024 after helping to redefine women's college basketball. Reese has embraced her unique style and love for fashion as she enters a world outside of college.
Headlining Angel Reese’s involvement in fashion, she received an invite to attend the 2024 Met Gala. Flying straight from practice in Chicago to the red carpet on her 22nd birthday, Reece stunned in a British label, 16Arlington.
With the rising popularity of women’s basketball, Angel Reese has been able to continue to explore her love of fashion with multiple brand deals, including a merch collection with both Reebok and Reese’s. Angel has always incorporated Reese’s into her brand; her fans are even called Reese’s Pieces. The brand deal resulted in a limited-edition merch line between Hershey and Angel Reese.
Angel has recently joined Goldman Sachs to promote the One Million Black Women campaign which enables black policymakers to magnify their voices. Reese told WomensHealth, “It’s clear that from her generation to today, Black women are still facing challenges. But I believe change is possible.”
Angel Reese utilized her Vogue exclusive article as her declaration for the WNBA draft, forgoing her final year of college eligibility. Reese has enjoyed exploring her individuality through fashion while also tearing it up on the court, telling Vogue “I didn’t have to be in a box.” Reese is the definition of the duality of women, showing off her more feminine side in the fashion world, while also continuing to be a fierce competitor on the court.
