When 22-year-old Angel Reese made her debut for the WNBA, an unexpected hiccup caught the headlines. After the Women’s National Basketball Association’s app didn’t air the highly-anticipated game, her effervescent fans morphed into dedicated internet vigilantes and took to X [formerly Twitter] to stream it live. Lifting basketball spirits everywhere, over 545,000 people logged on to watch the team battle it out, solidifying the popularity of women’s basketball around the world.

Following her WNBA draft this year from LSU, it’s fair to say all eyes have been on Angel, waiting for her to prove her credentials. And then, Chicago Sky beat the Wings with Angel’s performance sending the internet abuzz, confirming her CV is more than intact (she scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds), and solidifying something else: with Angel Reese on board, Chicago Sky are here to win.

Hustling to the top is something Angel, also a fashionista, beauty savant, and ‘Bayou Barbie’ (a name coined by her LSU fan base), knows too well. From her humble beginnings in Baltimore to ruling college basketball and getting drafted into the WNBA at just 22-years-old – Angel’s not just here to play the game, she’s here to make it her own. Joining a defiant lineage of female athletes, she confirms her global influence by partnering with Beats on their new Solo 4’s campaign alongside Sha’Carri Richardson and Naomi Osaka, championing her wireless, on-ear headphones as a staple in her wardrobe, and trusted companion in her pre-game warm-ups. What’s on her playlist? You’ll have to check out Wonderland’s Music Mayhem section, where our cover stars’ latest earworms are laid bare for our readers to see, to find that out.

But in the meantime, we grabbed some time with the star baller a few weeks ago to chat the power of Beats Solo 4s, personal style, becoming a role model, and climbing her way to “top dawg” on court.

Purchase your Beats Solo 4 Headphones here.

Hey Angel! Congratulations on your recent partnership with Beats. Talk to us about working with Sha’Carri Richardson and Naomi Osaka, the incredible athletes joining you for the Beats Solo 4 campaign. How do these women inspire you?
Angel Reese: Working with Beats has been amazing! Beats is such an iconic brand and always partners with the best talent across sport and music. They have been so supportive of me and my career and always go above and beyond to support my teammates and my foundation too. And I’m sure you’ve seen, but I always have on my Solo 4s, whether I’m training, during my pre-game shoot around or travelling to games – they are always on me. To be featured alongside Sha’Carri and Naomi – two defiant, incredibly inspiring women that are confident, determined, and focused, it’s incredible. I have always admired both of them as women and athletes.

What music keeps you motivated? Who are your go-to artists to listen to on your Beats Solo 4s?
AR: I love Megan Thee Stallion, my girl Cardi B, I love Latto. I have so many favourites. When we released this campaign with Beats for the Solo 4s I put together a handful of my favourites here.

You made a cameo in Cardi B and Latto’s “Put It on Da Floor Again” music video. Can we expect any other link-ups in the music industry in the future?
AR: I had the best time shooting the music video with them and also recently spent time with Cardi at the Met Gala since we both attended with Instagram and Latto flew to Dallas last night to be at my first WNBA game. I’m not spilling any secrets about link ups in the music industry in the future…you will all just have to wait and see.

Moving from music into fashion, what inspires your personal style? How do you incorporate Beats into your everyday looks?
AR: For me, personal style is about owning the moment and showing off who you are with unapologetic confidence. There’s no playbook for personal style, which makes fashion so empowering. My style mirrors my personality – I love statement pieces that reflect my energy and that includes my Beats.

How was your experience at the Met Gala? What was it like going from the Met to the court the next day? How do you go about balancing your busy schedule, which includes training and competing, attending events such as the Met and your work with Beats?
AR: The Met Gala was amazing and I am so grateful Anna Wintour extended the invite to me. I really had to maximize those 24 hours and take care of business on the court since we had our preseason home opener the following day. I slayed at the Met Gala in New York, came back to Chicago that night, and slayed on the court the next day…it’s just what I do.

Do you remember the first time you picked up a basketball?
AR: I don’t remember the very first time, no. But I’ve been around basketball my entire life. My mom played in college and professionally, but even growing up around the sport she always encouraged my brother and I to try all different sports. I ran track, played volleyball, softball, and basketball.

What moments do you attribute as being pivotal in your rise? Or helped shape your journey in basketball?
AR: I’m super competitive, so having a brother, I always wanted to beat him in basketball and grew up playing with him and his friends in Baltimore.

Who are some sports icons you looked up to growing up and why?
AR: I would go to the Washington Mystics games all the time when I was younger, so I would always see great players like Candace Parker and Maya Moore. I also always loved Lisa Leslie on and off the court. She always had her lashes, nails, and hair done, but also took care of business on the court.

What’s the secret sauce that makes Angel Reese, well, Angel Reese when she’s not owning the court? What are some of your off-the-court antics and hobbies?
AR: I think I’m just always unapologetically myself both on and off the court. I’m a girly girl at heart and love getting dressed up and my hair and lashes done. When I’m not playing or training and now that I’ve graduated I’m just like every other 22-year-old hanging out with my friends and spending time with my family.

Tell us about the experience being picked for Chicago Sky. Where were you when you found out and who was the first person you told? What does being picked for Chicago Sky mean to you?
AR: The entire draft experience was a whirlwind and being selected by Chicago was a dream come true. I was surrounded by my family and closest friends and when my name was called to go to Chicago I could not have been more excited. The Sky organization is amazing and my coach Teresa Weatherspoon specifically is really helping me develop as a player at the next level. Chicago is one of the best cities in the world and having the fans welcome me as their own already is more than I could ever ask for. We’re going to make Chicago a championship city again!

What is going through your head as you first step out on court for a big game?
AR: When I step on the court, my entire persona changes — I’m a dawg and fiercely competitive. I just want to win so as soon as I’m on the court I’m locked in.

Your debut hit headlines, with one fan live-streaming the game on X, after the WNBA app did not air the game, to record numbers – over 545,000 tuned in to watch. How did this come to your attention, how did it make you feel and what do you think this signifies about women’s basketball at large?
AR: My goal has always just been to continue elevating women’s basketball as a whole. This is such a significant moment in time for our sport and the more awareness and opportunities we can drive to the game and the future of our game is what is most important to me.

How has the transition from college basketball to the WNBA challenged and reshaped you as a player – and person – so far?
AR: Well we just had our first game last night and rosters got finalized earlier this week so this is really just the beginning for all of us rookies. But I’m just excited to continue working on my game and watching and learning from the vets in this league. I’m a big guard, a point forward, and I want to get better both defensively and offensively.

What’s been your biggest pinch-me moment so far?
AR: I think the Met Gala last week was a major pinch-me moment. It was also my 22nd birthday so to be at the most exclusive fashion event of the year, on my birthday, surrounded by the biggest celebrities and fashion designers was surreal to say the least.

What would be your advice to young female basketball players hoping to achieve the same as you? And, what’s one piece of advice you received that has become the most powerful?
AR: The advice I would give any young athlete is just stay true to yourself. Be you and do something that makes you different from everybody else. Growing up I was the tallest in my class and always thought my height was a bad thing, but my grandmother always reminded me that I stood out for a reason and only now do I fully understand that she was reminding me that I am who I am and I stand out and I stand up to the world. My confidence, height, and work ethic all differentiate me from others and I hope to be an inspiration for young girls, especially Black girls, who want to not only be a dawg on the court but confident and successful in whatever they chose to do.

What’s next for Angel Reese? At just 22-years-old, where do you go from here?
AR: I’m still just getting started! I’ve said it lots, I love fashion and want to be a model, but I think more than anything right now I’m focused on being the best basketball player and teammate I can be. I feel so blessed to be in Chicago surrounded by the best coaches and organisation and want to just continue to train and get better every single day.

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