Angel Reese, a WNBA star for the Chicago Sky, stands at the intersection of talent and legacy. Growing up in Baltimore, she inherited a deep basketball tradition from her parents, Angel Webb and Michael Reese. While her journey to the professional stage reflects her skills, it also highlights the influence of her family and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Basketball is in Reese’s blood
Basketball was more than a pastime for the Reese family-it was a way of life. Both Angel Webb and Michael Reese played college basketball, setting the stage for their daughter’s athletic career. Reese, however, credits her mother for raising her and her younger brother, Julian, as a single parent after her parents separated when she was young.
Despite a distant relationship with her father, Reese acknowledges the influence of his side of the family. In a recent TikTok live, she shared a personal detail about her heritage, revealing her grandmother’s Native American roots. “My dad and my grandma said it’s actually Indian…she’s part-, half-, something Indian,” Reese explained.
While Reese wasn’t close to her father, her maternal grandparents, Curtis and Barbara Webb, played a pivotal role in her upbringing. Her grandmother’s advice helped Reese embrace her uniqueness, especially during moments of insecurity. “You stand out for a reason,” Barbara reminded her when she felt awkward about being the tallest girl in class.
Interestingly, Michael Reese echoed similar wisdom in The Baltimore Sun. “When you wear your emotions on your sleeve, you leave yourself open to all kinds of stuff,” Reese told The Baltimore Sun. Though Michael’s basketball aspirations didn’t pan out as hoped, he recognized the importance of channeling passion into productive outlets-an ethos Reese seems to embody in her career.
Angel Reese carries her family’s basketball torch with pride. Despite the complexities of her personal life, she has emerged as a star player and a role model. Her journey is a testament to the power of embracing individuality, learning from the past, and striving toward a brighter future. For Reese, her family’s legacy isn’t just about basketball-it’s about resilience, growth, and staying true to oneself. As she continues to make her mark on the WNBA, she’s not only honoring her family’s history but also shaping a new chapter for generations to come.
