Angel Reese Is Living Her Dream Life

Marcus SmithPop CultureCelebsAngel Reese Is Living Her Dream LifeAngel Reese Is Living Her Dream LifeThree years ago, the world met Angel Reese. Few could’ve predicted how she would shape the growth of women’s basketball and, eventually, make a name for herself well beyond the court. She has walked in major runway shows and now has her own Barbie. The wildest part? She’s kind of just getting started.By Aiyana Ishmael, Photographed by Marcus SmithPublished: Jul 30, 2026Welcome to Cosmo Sports, our series where we get unprecedented, all-day access to some of the most influential names in collegiate and professional women’s athletics. We capture a full day in their lives to give you a deeper sense of who they are, not just what they do.When Angel Reese walks into the room of the exclusive Barbie and Reebok party in her honor, it feels like a modern remake of the Disney movie Life-Size, starring Tyra Banks. One small girl in her blue Boys & Girls Club of Chicago shirt slaps her hand over her face, letting out small squeals every few seconds as her chaperone tries to shush her. The kids all stare up in amazement; it’s as if their Barbie has come to life. Only now it’s Angel, WNBA star, model, and serial entrepreneur, who is reminding these young Black girls to “shine bright” and “be a star.”Marcus SmithIt’s the first day of WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, where Angel spent the first two years of her professional career. There’s a poise and quiet guardedness about the Baltimore native as she moves through the space, surrounded by security wearing their Angel Reese x Barbie t-shirts. But that shield seems to drop when she’s met by the excited arms of the young kids she’s invited here.“You can do it all,” Angel answers to one of the questions the kids ask her about life and chasing your dreams, looking at each of them as she speaks. “I always knew I wanted to be something and embody so many things.” And that she does.Marcus SmithJust three years ago, after winning the NCAA National Championship with Louisiana State University, Angel was thrown into mainstream consciousness. In 2024, she was the 7th overall pick in the WNBA draft and started her professional basketball career in the Windy City. Since all of this, not only has she become one of the biggest faces of this new era of women’s hoops (which she helped to usher in), but she’s also eclipsed it. As if her 5.4 million Instagram followers—the highest of any player in the WNBA—and slew of rap song mentions aren’t proof enough, there’s also the fact that this party is a celebration of her brand-new Barbie hitting the shelves. Oh, and the Barbie is wearing a tiny pair of Angel’s signature Reebok shoes. Once Mattel starts putting your likeness into plastic playthings, it’s safe to say you’ve reached the point of hardly needing an introduction.“Y’all know who I am,” Angel continues at the event. The crowd roars in response, everyone wordlessly acknowledging the vitriol she’s faced with daily. “The ones who come in person know who I am. The clowns are online, and you ain’t gotta worry about them. I got the aunties and uncles going hard on my behalf though.”Marcus SmithFew people can understand what it’s like to have this many eyes on you all the time, but at just 24, Angel handles it with a level of grace that confirms why she’s become the star she is. I also think it’s why, when Angel and I talk on Zoom while she’s in glam, there’s a sense of self-preservation in everything she says, a mindfulness of how her words can shape the next narrative or news cycle.I get it though; she’s protecting her peace. She doesn’t have time for the foolishness—she’s too busy reveling in everything she’s ever wanted for herself coming to fruition. Too busy being in the present moment and celebrating all her wins, big and small. Too busy becoming all she set out to be. Angel has never let the darkness of a thunderstorm move in on her light. She likes to go where the sun shines, where there’s more love than hate. And where her dreams keep guiding her forward.Marcus SmithMarcus SmithIt was really special watching you interact with your young fans at the Barbie and Reebok event. What are those moments like for you?It feels really good. Actually, I surprised one of those girls to come to All-Star Weekend, so she’s here now. I think this could maybe be a life-changing opportunity and experience for her. She doesn’t know that she gets to meet other players that she probably also loves, so I know she’s gonna be excited. It’s really cool making these little girls’ day. You never know what they’re going through and how things could be impacting them.I know you do a lot to give back to the community, especially through your foundation. Why is that important to you? I try to do things to empower women. Back here in Chicago, we’re hoping to have a court here. We just did something with a foster home where we added furniture, renovated the house, and worked with the Saints House and women transitioning from fostering into building a new home so they are able to move in there. I’m doing a back-to-school event soon in Atlanta. I do one in every city I go to. And I give a scholarship in Baltimore. I have the resources to do it, so I want to do it.Marcus SmithMarcus SmithYou were like a real-life Barbie to all those girls. What was it like creating the Angel Reese Barbie Signature doll? That’s iconic!I always wanted to have a Barbie doll. I was called the Bayou Barbie [in college], and when I was younger, I had a good collection of them. I wanted something that resembled who I am, from the blush, the nails, the chains, the leg sleeve. And the front of my uniform is my WNBA number and the back is my college number. I’m really happy to have my Reeboks on the doll as well. I was very intentional about what I wanted, and they executed it perfectly. It’s really cool to see my vision come to life.I love that the Barbie is wearing your signature Reeboks in the new Barbie pink colorway, too. Was it intentional to have your shoes live beyond the court?Yes, I wanted something that could be worn on and off the court because that’s what I value, and it literally came to life. A lot of people that have never played sports are wearing them off the court. But we have a great deal of people that are playing in them on the court as well.I want to be known as more than just a basketball player. —Angel ReeseIt’s been cool to see people incorporate the shoes into their own personal style. Your style has become a big part of who you are. How has fashion shaped the way you see yourself?It’s being able to wear things confidently. Being bold, stepping out the box. Sometimes fashion can really be a way of expression.Now that you’ve got big girl coin, has your style evolved?I continue to evolve over the years. I still shop in the highs and the lows. For me, it’s not about how much it is; it’s how you wear it. I’ve been styling myself lately. I’m trying to figure out what I like and what I don’t. I go into deep dives for my fashion.Marcus SmithMarcus SmithYou’ve done so much to build a world beyond basketball. Are you always thinking about what comes next or trying to stay present?I’m just trying to take things day by day and live in the moment as best as I can. If I’m doing one thing, I put 100 percent into it. I told myself this year I was going to be a lot more intentional with celebrating each win, so I’m trying to be in the moment. I had to grow up fast, so everything came fast and it’s been all about learning. I’m figuring things out as I go.That makes sense—you’ve gone through so much transition, even recently with joining the Atlanta Dream. What emotions were you going through when the news was announced?I was so excited; it was a dream come true. Honestly, I wanted to go—it was perfect for me, from the team to the culture to just everything. That organization has shown me nothing but love and support, and just to be celebrating makes my job a lot easier.What’s it been like making new friendships in a new city?I keep my circle small. I focus on what’s real and what’s not. I’m mostly close to my family, and all of my friends are considered family to me. I’m keeping the same circle tight. In Atlanta, I just hang out with my teammates. We’re trying to find things for us to do. We just started going to little escape rooms.Marcus SmithWhat role do you play in the escape rooms?I’m just a good time. [laughs]Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.At this point, you’re an honorary Southern girl. What’s the biggest difference between living in ATL versus Chicago?I think the Southern hospitality is something that you just can’t beat. But I do miss the food in Chicago. But the food in Atlanta is pretty good, too.You’ve become one of the faces of this era of women’s basketball. What runs through your mind when people say you’re synonymous with the growth of the game?I think about the generation that’s come before me. I mean, they walked so we can run, and I’m grateful to have had those legends that have come before us. I think that’s really important to value. Luckily, here at the WNBA All-Star Game, we had Teresa Witherspoon and Cynthia Cooper, who were our GMs for the All-Star Game, and I thought that was really cool to have and share that experience. I love that we’re able to pay it back to them.Marcus SmithWhat is the hardest thing about having your life and actions analyzed in a broader cultural context? What do you tell yourself?It’s remembering I’m still a person that’s living this life for the first time. I’m only 24, and there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs, highs and lows. I try to stay in the moment as much as I can, because I’m only going to be young once. So just live, have a good time, have fun with everything, and enjoy experiences. I take a lot of pictures of things to capture memories.You’ve mentioned before how it’s necessary to have thick skin. Is that something you still want to have or does it feel like a true need?I always have thick skin, but we all have emotions, and I think it’s important to value each emotion and take time with each emotion. And at a point, when you bottle it all up, you will explode. But having good people to talk to, sitting with myself, meditating, writing things down helps. A lot of things don’t really bother me as much anymore.I’ve been able to build a strong sense of self.—Angel ReeseHow has your response to adversity changed over the years? Adversity builds character, and I think I’ve been able to build a strong sense of self. I think I built myself to not even be bothered by certain things. Or even if things do affect me, I let myself be affected for one second and don’t let one second ruin a whole entire day. It’s dealing with things and taking things with a grain of salt. A lot of things are by perspective.What perspective keeps you grounded in your “why”?At the end of the day, I want to be known as more than just a basketball player. I think it’s important to speak up for what’s right and not shy away from anything. And I think that’s helped me get where I am today. Not everyone has a voice, and I just want the people who don’t necessarily have a voice to know that I’m a pretty good outlet for them and that I can help guide them through those things.Marcus SmithWhat feels like the truest version of yourself? Fun, laughing, having a good time. I love good vibes, good people, and good food. We can always have a ball. I pray a lot. I like to sit with myself and just meditate, write things down. Those are the most important things for me.Tell me about one mandatory part of your day. Honestly, as long as I got a good meal in, that’s all I’m worried about.What’s your go-to meal? Like, the one you want when it’s been a day.My chef from Chicago, she’s sitting right here. She said tacos are my favorite. I do love some tacos and seafood.Marcus SmithOkay, now it’s time for our classic Cosmo Sports rapid-fire questions: Louisiana or Georgia? Oh, man. I love both. I’m gonna say both.Baby hairs or no baby hairs? No baby hairs. My stylist is laughing at me right now.Middle part bussdown or side part with curls? Side part.Go-to cocktail order. Lemon Drop.Marcus SmithFavorite food spot in ATL?Umi. It’s a sushi spot. Accessory you’re reaching for the most right now? A good watch.ATL date spot: the World of Coca-Cola or the Aquarium?Aquarium.What would you say is the headline of your life right now? “Dreams,” because I’m on the Atlanta Dream and I’m making all my dreams come true off the court, too.Marcus Smith