LSU forward Angel Reese (10) reacts in the fourth quarter of an Elite Eight round college basketball game versus Iowa during the NCAA Tournament on Monday, April 1, 2024, in Albany, New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer).(Mary Altaffer|AP)
FOX 8 Staff published on April 2, 2024 at 4:38 PM GMT+1.
ALBANY, NY (WVUE) – Following LSU’s 94-87 loss to Iowa in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament’s Elite Eight, standout player Angel Reese discussed the struggles she has experienced over the previous year.
Reese, who was in tears, described how she has been tormented and threatened with murder since winning the NCAA title in 2023.
“I’ve gone through so much. I have seen so much. I’ve been attacked multiple times. Death threats. I have been sexualized. “I’ve been threatened,” she explained. “I’ve been many things, and I’ve always stood firm. I strive to support my teammates and avoid letting them down. “I am still a human.” Reese claims she hasn’t had serenity since winning the school’s first women’s basketball title in program history. During that game, Reese garnered attention for her on-court battle with Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. Images of the Bayou Barbie pointing to her ring finger and making the “you can’t see me” motion have become associated with the feat.
“I don’t really get to advocate for myself. I have excellent teammates. I have an excellent support system. I have my hometown. I have a strong support system in my family.
“I don’t get to speak out on things because I try to ignore them and be strong. I would still sit here and say, “I am unapologetically me.” I will always leave my mark, be who I am, and stand on that.
“I aim to inspire the little girls who look up to me… “Keep being yourself.”
This year, following the Hawkeyes’ victory, Reese and Clark hugged and expressed their appreciation for one another.
“She basically encouraged me, ‘Continue to be a great player,'” Reese explained. “And I encouraged her, ‘Continue to be a great player, too, and keep raising the game until you win it.'”
It’s uncertain whether Reese will return to LSU or enter this month’s WNBA draft. She is expected to be a first-round choice.
Despite the media attention, Reese’s colleagues rallied around her, complimenting her fortitude and character.
“Everybody can have an opinion about Angel Reese, but you don’t know her,” remarked Flau’jae Johnson. “You don’t know Angel Reese. “I know Angel Reese.”
