The Athletic Roots of a Champion
A Family Steeped in Basketball Tradition
Angel Reese, the dynamic WNBA star for the Chicago Sky, inherited more than just her first name from her mother. She was born into a family where the love for basketball was practically part of the genetic code, a foundation that would shape her career.
Her parents, Michael Reese and Angel Webb Reese, were the original athletes in the family, setting a high bar for their children. Their shared history in the sport created a competitive and supportive environment that fueled Angel’s own ambitions from a young age.
Growing up in Randallstown, Maryland, Angel and her younger brother, Julian, were constantly surrounded by the game. This immersive upbringing ensured that basketball was not just a hobby, but a way of life, preparing them both for the pressures of elite competition.
Michael Reese and Angel Webb Reese: Collegiate and Professional Careers
Both Michael and Angel Webb Reese were accomplished basketball players in their own right, achieving success at both the collegiate and professional levels. Their athletic achievements provided a tangible blueprint for their daughter’s future.
Angel Webb Reese played college basketball for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where her skills earned her an induction into the UMBC Athletics Hall of Fame. Following her collegiate career, she continued to play professionally overseas in Luxembourg.
Michael Reese also had a notable college career, playing for Boston College before transferring to Loyola University in Maryland. His professional journey took him across Europe, with stints playing in countries like Luxembourg, Cyprus, Austria, and Portugal.
The Strength of a Single Mother’s Influence
Angel Webb Reese: Raising a Star in Randallstown, Maryland
Despite the shared athletic background, the family dynamic shifted when Angel Reese was young. Her parents separated, and Angel Webb Reese took on the role of a single mother, raising Angel and Julian primarily on her own in Maryland.
This period of her life became a defining influence on Angel Reese. She often speaks about the sacrifices her mother made, working tirelessly to provide for her children and ensure they had every opportunity to succeed.
The decision for Angel to attend the University of Maryland for her first two collegiate years was a direct nod to her mother’s dedication. It allowed her family to easily attend her games, and the full scholarship was Angel’s personal “payback” for her mother’s hard work.
Instilling Confidence and Independence
Angel Webb Reese instilled a profound sense of independence and self-assurance in her daughter. Angel Reese frequently credits her mother for her own confident and unapologetic demeanor on the court.
She learned from watching her mother never to back down from a challenge and to always stand her ground. This lesson in perseverance, demonstrated daily by a single mother navigating life’s obstacles, became the bedrock of Angel Reese’s competitive spirit.
This powerful influence is why Angel Reese often says, “I am who I am because of her.” The confidence and resilience that define her game are a direct reflection of the strength she witnessed in her mother.
The Reese Family’s Competitive Spirit
Sibling Rivalry: Angel and Julian Reese
The competitive nature of the Reese household was further amplified by the sibling dynamic between Angel and her younger brother, Julian Reese, who is also a standout basketball player for the University of Maryland men’s team.
Their rivalry began in the driveway of their Maryland home, where intense, competitive games were the norm. Angel has humorously admitted that her initial drive to excel in basketball was simply to be better than her brother.
This constant, high-stakes competition with a fellow elite athlete helped to sharpen Angel’s skills and mental toughness. The playful, yet fierce, rivalry shaped her into the relentless competitor fans see today on the WNBA court.
The Significance of the Number 10
The number 10 holds a special place in the Reese family, serving as a symbolic connection between mother, daughter, and son. It was the jersey number worn by Angel Webb Reese during her own playing days.
In a tribute to their mother’s legacy, both Angel Reese and Julian Reese chose to wear the number 10 throughout their high school and college careers. Julian once noted that when people see the number 10, they are seeing the Reese family.
This shared number is a constant, visible reminder of the family’s deep roots in the sport and the foundational role Angel Webb Reese plays in their athletic lives.
A Daughter’s Ultimate Repayment
Angel Reese’s success has allowed her to give back to the woman who sacrificed so much for her. In a deeply emotional moment, the WNBA star surprised her mother by paying off the mortgage on her family home.
This act was more than a financial gift; it was the fulfillment of a promise and a symbol of gratitude. Angel Webb Reese, who had raised her children alone, was moved to tears by the gesture, which Angel Reese revealed on her YouTube channel.
The surprise was a powerful moment that underscored the deep bond between mother and daughter, highlighting the ultimate reward for years of sacrifice and hard work.
The Enduring Legacy of Angel Reese’s Parents
The story of Angel Reese is inseparable from the story of her parents. Michael Reese and Angel Webb Reese provided the athletic talent, the competitive fire, and the unwavering support that launched their daughter’s career.
While Michael Reese contributed the professional pedigree, it is Angel Webb Reese’s role as a single mother—instilling confidence, resilience, and a competitive edge—that is most often cited as the primary force behind the champion Angel Reese has become.
Their legacy is not just in the WNBA star herself, but in the entire family, a testament to how athletic talent, when combined with fierce parental dedication, can create an enduring dynasty in the world of basketball.
