Angel Reese: Shattering Records, Defying Stereotypes, and Inspiring Change

Angel Reese has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic players in college basketball, captivating audiences with her skill, charisma, and resilience. In her debut WNBA season, Reese is already breaking records and inspiring fans, all while embracing her identity as a strong Black woman. She has shown the world what it means to be unapologetically herself, inspiring young athletes, advocating for women’s empowerment, and using her platform to support social justice. Her influence extends far beyond the court, reaching young Black women who see in her a powerful example of strength and confidence.

However, Reese’s journey to becoming a dominant figure in sports has come with its share of challenges. Her confidence and visibility have earned her a massive following, but they’ve also made her a target for scrutiny and abuse, especially on social media. Despite her talent and influence, she faces a troubling double standard, with criticism often rooted in racial and gender biases. While some may dismiss this as "just criticism," it reveals the deeper societal prejudices that Black women continue to face.

Social media has amplified this hostility, making Reese’s experience a painful reflection of the challenges Black female athletes face online. The constant commentary, often racially charged, underscores a harsh reality: Black women in sports are held to different standards, judged more harshly for behaviours celebrated in their peers. Reese’s experience shows how gender and racial biases intersect, placing unique pressures on her and others like her.

Angel Reese’s rise in the WNBA has unfortunately come with a wave of online abuse, stemming from both racial and gender biases. Social media is full of derogatory comments aimed at her, from stereotypes questioning her intelligence and character to explicit racial and gendered insults. Even her celebratory gestures, like the "you can’t see me" motion, sparked backlash compared to similar actions by male athletes like Steph Curry. As Reese herself stated, "I don’t fit in the box y'all want me to be in. I'm too hood, I'm too ghetto... This is for the girls that look like me".

This racialized scrutiny mirrors that faced by other Black women in sports, such as Serena Williams, who was often criticised for traits praised in her male counterparts. Reese’s resilience in the face of this criticism is a beacon to many: "I don’t care what anybody has to say about me; I’m always gonna be who I am". Her words resonate with countless Black women who, like Reese, are judged by harsher standards in public and digital spaces.

Social media not only amplifies this hostility but also fuels it. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) allow individuals, sometimes even anonymously, to post racially charged messages. Recently, a message sent to the Angel Reese Foundation labelled her a "thug"—a racially coded slur aimed at Black athletes. Social media algorithms often prioritise these types of negative posts, creating an environment where harassment not only persists but is incentivized by increased visibility and engagement.

The lack of accountability on these platforms allows this abuse to grow, affecting athletes’ mental health, especially for young stars like Reese transitioning to high-profile leagues. Reese has openly criticised the media and social platforms for exploiting her struggles for sensationalised narratives, stating, "The media has benefited from my pain…to create a narrative". This environment, where racist and gender-based attacks thrive, highlights the persistent biases magnified online, leaving high-visibility Black women athletes like Reese especially vulnerable.

Reese’s experience is part of a larger issue within the WNBA. Players like Alyssa Thomas from the Connecticut Sun have called out fans for racially charged comments during games, and Sun guard DiJonai Carrington recently shared a threatening message she received. These incidents illustrate the toll such abuse takes on athletes who face a constant stream of hostility. As Reese pointed out—"Something has to change"—the need for social media platforms and the WNBA to implement stronger protections and accountability measures is more urgent as the league’s popularity grows.

Despite the challenges Reese faces, the support around her has been a powerful testament to her impact. Teammates, coaches, and advocates across the sports world have spoken out, standing firmly against the abuse she endures. Her teammates defend her in post-game interviews, and her coaches praise her for the strength she brings to every game. This show of solidarity sends a clear message: Reese deserves respect and recognition, both as an athlete and as an individual who continues to inspire countless fans.

Addressing the issue of online abuse requires real change. Improved social media moderation, with stricter filters and real consequences for those who violate community standards, could make digital spaces safer. Awareness campaigns encouraging respectful fan engagement could also reshape how athletes are treated online. These initiatives would help create a culture where positive support outweighs negativity, allowing athletes like Reese to focus on what they do best: playing the game and inspiring fans.

Ultimately, Reese’s experience points to the need for a fundamental shift in how fans, organisations, and platforms interact with athletes. By advocating for constructive dialogue and holding abusers accountable, we can foster an environment that celebrates athletes' achievements rather than diminishing them with prejudice. Together, we can create a space that champions Reese and all athletes, setting a new standard for support in sports.

Angel Reese’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the critical work needed to address online abuse in sports. Her resilience in navigating these challenges shows a strength that deserves admiration, yet it also underscores the responsibility fans, social platforms, and sports organisations have to create a truly inclusive and supportive environment. For fans, this means examining our own biases and choosing to support athletes in ways that reflect respect and inclusivity.

There is hope for change, and it begins with each of us. As the sports community stands by athletes like Reese, we can celebrate not only their contributions to the game but also their courage in facing adversity. It’s time to elevate our support for these trailblazers, fostering a sports culture that champions respect, resilience, and the shared joy of the game.