Winning changes everything, as the old saying goes.
When LSU women’s basketball won its first national title earlier this year, everything changed for 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Angel Reese.
Reese, who transferred to LSU after spending the first two seasons of her collegiate career at Maryland, led the Tigers in both scoring and rebounding en route to their title.
It now seems that her success has led to immense popularity which has made it hard for her to set foot on LSU’s campus without being mobbed.
Speaking to Teen Vogue, Reese said she switched to online classes following the championship victory and also was surprised by the newfound internet fame she encountered, saying, “I didn’t think I was going to be on Shade Room every time I post something.”
Reese remains focused on her academic career as much as her athletic career, however, adding, “School’s first, basketball is next, I wouldn’t be here without school and basketball, so that’s my priority.”
LSU and Reese have had a mutually beneficial relationship, as the senior from Baltimore has reportedly brought in over $1.5 million in NIL deals. Reese is projected to be a top-three pick in next year’s WNBA Draft but is also being sure to continue to grow her brand, noting, “WNBA players don’t make as much money as they should. Being able to grow this now, while I’m in college, and doing this now can help me when I go to the WNBA.”
