LSU Tigers star player Angel Reese is a beacon of authenticity. At just 21 years old, she boldly confronts the relentless negativity hurled her way since leading her team to victory in the 2023 national championship.

In a recent post-game press conference, Reese bravely opened up about the barrage of criticism she faces. Through tears, she revealed, “I’ve been through so much. I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times. Death threats. I’ve been sexualized. I’ve been threatened. I’ve been so many things and I’ve stood strong every single time. I just try to stand strong for my teammates because I don’t want them to see me down and not be there for them … I’m still a human.”

Regrettably, Reese's call for recognition of her humanity falls on deaf ears among her detractors. Female athletes are held to a glaring double standard: confidence is vilified, and vulnerability is stigmatized. Reese doesn't seek pity; she demands acknowledgment as a human being.

Despite her pivotal role in securing wins for her team, Reese confesses to a lack of happiness. Her assertive demeanor and spirited on-court celebrations provoke ire, casting her as a villain. While Reese's behavior mirrors that of many male athletes, she endures an onslaught of online abuse with every move she makes. Racist and sexist attacks underscore the entrenched prejudices of society, inflicting profound pain upon a young woman like Reese.

She admitted that it’s not easy to stand up for herself. In fact, she doesn’t. “I have great teammates. I have a great support system. I’ve got my hometown. I’ve got my family that stands up for me,” she shared. 

Reese’s teammate, Flau’jae Johnson said, “Everybody can have their opinion on Angel Reese, but y’all don’t know her. Y’all don’t know Angel Reese. I know Angel Reese. I know the real Angel Reese, and the person I see every day is a strong person, is a caring and loving person … Just to see how the media ridicule her – we went through our problems, but this is my sister right here.”

Even though Reese has her support system, it’s clear this experience has taken its toll on her. It’s as if Reese understands the ramifications would intensify if she were to respond to the negativity. She said, “I try to ignore and I just try to stand strong … I would still sit here and say, ‘I’m unapologetically me.’ I’m going to always leave that mark and be who I am and stand on that.”

Reese is standing ten toes down on who she is because she knows her visibility is more than for camera flashes. Her existence shifts history. She said, “The little girls that look up to me, hopefully, I give them some type of inspiration … Keep being who you are.”