Angel Reese, the star rookie forward for the Chicago Sky, made history on August 18, 2024, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Reese achieved a monumental feat, setting a new WNBA record for the most rebounds in a single season. Her remarkable performance against the Minnesota Lynx, with 17 points and an incredible 19 rebounds, secured her place in the record books. The basketball world took notice, and Reese solidified her status as one of the league’s rising stars.
Reese’s rebounding prowess has been the talk of basketball circles for some time. Known for her fierce presence on the glass, she’s become a dominant force under the rim. Yet, despite her rebounding dominance, critics have often questioned her finishing ability at the rim, leading some to doubt the impact of her stat lines. But on Sunday, Reese silenced many of her doubters with a performance that showcased both her rebounding skills and her scoring ability.
As the youngest player to ever hold this record, Reese faced intense scrutiny throughout her rookie season. However, she has not let the criticism shake her confidence. In fact, she’s been open about the challenges of adapting to the WNBA and balancing expectations, particularly regarding her scoring consistency. In response to the chatter, Reese took to social media to share a personal message, reminding herself and her supporters to be patient and kind in the face of adversity. She included a Bible verse about strength and restoration, highlighting her faith as a source of resilience.
Breaking Sylvia Fowles’ long-standing rebound record was no small feat. Fowles, a Hall of Famer and former Chicago Sky player herself, held the record for years and is widely regarded as one of the best rebounders in the history of the WNBA. For Reese, surpassing a legend like Fowles added extra significance to her achievement, underscoring her potential to join the ranks of WNBA greats.
After hearing about Reese’s historic accomplishment, Fowles reached out to offer some words of encouragement. The Hall of Famer was full of praise for the young forward. “Angel, you did that,” Fowles said in a heartfelt message. “Continue to be loud, bold, proud — true to yourself. Congratulations, Miss double-double queen.” It was a moment of passing the torch from one elite rebounder to another, signaling a bright future for Reese in the league.
Reese’s season has been a rollercoaster of highs and challenges. As a rookie, adjusting to the physicality and speed of the WNBA while carrying high expectations can be overwhelming. Yet, Reese has risen to the occasion time and time again, displaying grit, determination, and the ability to learn from every game. Her record-breaking performance is just one highlight in what is sure to be a long and storied career.
What sets Reese apart is her combination of raw talent and mental toughness. Despite facing skepticism and pressure, she has maintained a focus on improving her game while staying grounded in her personal values. Her message of grace and faith resonated with her fans, showing that even in the face of historic accomplishments, Reese remains humble and focused on the bigger picture.
The Chicago Sky have found a gem in Reese, whose double-doubles have become a regular occurrence. Fans have rallied behind her, celebrating her successes and eagerly anticipating her next milestone. Her ability to dominate the boards while continuing to refine her offensive game makes her a cornerstone player for the Sky’s future.
As the 2024 season comes to a close, Reese’s record-setting performance serves as a reminder of her potential to become one of the league’s top stars. Her impact extends beyond just stats—she’s become an inspiration to young athletes, showing that perseverance, faith, and self-belief are key ingredients to success.
Angel Reese’s journey in the WNBA is only beginning, but she’s already made her mark in a big way. With the support of legends like Sylvia Fowles and her unwavering commitment to self-improvement, Reese is poised to lead the Chicago Sky to new heights in the seasons to come. The “double-double queen” has arrived, and her reign is just getting started.
