**CONGRATULATIONS: LSU Women’s Basketball Legend Angel Reese Named One of TIME 100’s Most Influential People in Sports**
In a world where athletes are often celebrated for their on-court achievements alone, Angel Reese has transcended the boundaries of basketball to become a cultural icon, a voice for empowerment, and now, one of the most influential figures in sports. The LSU women’s basketball superstar has been named to TIME magazine’s prestigious **TIME 100** list, recognizing her as one of the 100 most influential people in sports. This honor is not just a testament to her dominance on the hardwood but also to her unapologetic authenticity, her advocacy for women’s sports, and her ability to inspire a generation of young athletes. At just 22 years old, Reese has already cemented her legacy as more than a basketball player—she is a movement.
Angel Reese’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. From her early days as a highly touted recruit to her transformative impact at LSU, Reese has consistently defied expectations. Her journey reached a crescendo during the 2022-2023 NCAA season when she led the Tigers to their first-ever national championship, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors along the way. But it wasn’t just her stats—23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game—that captivated audiences; it was her swagger, her confidence, and her unrelenting passion that made her impossible to ignore. In an era where women’s basketball is experiencing unprecedented growth, Reese has been at the forefront, pushing the sport into the mainstream with her magnetic personality and undeniable talent.
What sets Reese apart from many of her peers is her willingness to embrace the spotlight in ways that extend beyond basketball. She has become a symbol of self-assurance, particularly for young Black women who see themselves in her. Whether it’s her signature eyelash curls, her bold trash-talking, or her viral moments—like pointing to her ring finger during the national championship game—Reese plays with a flair that demands attention. In doing so, she has challenged traditional notions of how female athletes should behave, unapologetically owning her success and her persona. This fearlessness has drawn both admiration and criticism, but Reese has remained steadfast, proving that authenticity is her greatest strength.
Her influence extends far beyond the court. Reese has used her platform to advocate for gender equity in sports, speaking openly about the disparities between men’s and women’s basketball in terms of resources, media coverage, and compensation. At a time when women’s sports are fighting for equal footing, Reese’s voice has been instrumental in pushing the conversation forward. She has also been a vocal supporter of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, capitalizing on her own brand with lucrative endorsements from companies like Reebok, Beats by Dre, and Amazon. By doing so, she has shown young athletes—especially young women—that they, too, can monetize their talents and build empires while still in college.
Reese’s inclusion in the **TIME 100** list is particularly significant because it underscores the shifting landscape of sports influence. Traditionally, such lists have been dominated by male athletes, coaches, and executives, but Reese’s presence signals a broader recognition of the impact women are having in sports today. She joins the ranks of global icons like Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Megan Rapinoe—athletes who have redefined what it means to be influential in their respective fields. For Reese, this honor is not just a personal achievement but a victory for women’s basketball as a whole, further validating the sport’s growing cultural relevance.
Of course, Reese’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She has faced intense scrutiny, particularly in the wake of LSU’s championship run, where her competitive fire was sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance. Critics have questioned her demeanor, her style of play, and even her right to celebrate her success—a double standard that female athletes, especially Black female athletes, know all too well. Yet, Reese has handled the noise with grace, using it as fuel to elevate her game and her message. “I want to be remembered as someone who changed the game,” she has said, and with each milestone, she moves closer to that goal.
As Reese prepares for the next chapter of her career—whether in the WNBA or continuing to build her brand—her influence shows no signs of waning. She represents a new wave of athletes who understand that their power lies not just in their performance but in their ability to shape culture, challenge norms, and inspire change. Being named to the **TIME 100** is more than just an accolade; it’s a recognition of her role as a trailblazer, a trendsetter, and a transformational figure in sports.
For LSU fans, Reese’s legacy is already secure. She brought a championship to Baton Rouge, electrified the PMAC with her play, and left an indelible mark on the program. But for the rest of the world, her impact is still unfolding. At 22, she is just getting started, and if her career thus far is any indication, the best is yet to come. Congratulations, Angel Reese—this honor is well-deserved, and the world is watching to see what you do next.
In an era where influence is often measured by social media followers or viral moments, Reese reminds us that true impact comes from authenticity, resilience, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself. And that is why she isn’t just one of the most influential athletes in the world—she’s one of the most influential people, period.
