Angel Reese continues to shoot her shot on and off the court. The 21-year-old forward will appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2023 Issue the publication has announced. Earlier this year, the talented, “Bayou Barbie” made headlines for her fierce spirit during March Madness. She led her LSU Tigers to a NCAA championship in April. Reese was also named “Most Outstanding Player” for her victorious and powerful play. Now the 6’3” athlete will grace the pages of Sports Illustrated as a swimsuit model. 

Why This is Monumental 

Reese and LSU defeated Iowa State during the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. Critics called out Reese for “taunting” Iowa point guard, Caitlyn Clark by waving her hand and pointing to her ring finger. However, Reese decided to defend her actions, instead of apologizing to Clark and her critics. She noted her background, and society’s double standards are the reason fans criticized her so harshly. In an early press release video, Reese said she did the gesture for women who look like her and “speak up for what they believe in.” 

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor in chief, MJ Day,, defended Reese and her accomplishments. Day says the college basketball player called out “double standards” for women athletes. Also, the editor noted Reese is an advocate for independence for the next generation in women’s sports. The Sports Illustrated team wanted to highlight fearless women like Reese. It’s a strong statement for Black girls who will see Reese, wearing her lashes and wavy “bundles,” on the cover of a major publication.

List Of Other Accomplishment

Before the Sports Illustrated feature, Reese struck a NIL deal weith Mercedes Benz Baton Rouge. Reese was gifted an Mercedes Benz EQS580 for her 21st birthday. Previously, the basketball star shared a Raising Cane NIL deal with her LSU teammates. The dedicated superstar continues to boldly represent herself and other Black women in the name of basketball.