Angel Reese has become a household name after working her way up the ranks of professional basketball and securing a spot in the WNBA. Now, The Shade Room is running down five facts about the baller you probably didn’t know.
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Angel Reese Hails From Randallstown, Maryland
Many have come to know Reese as the “Bayou Barbie” — a nickname inspired by her time at Louisiana State University. However, some may be surprised to know that Reese is not a Louisiana native. In fact, she actually hails from Randallstown, Maryland, per WGN-TV.
According to the outlet, Reese was born there on May 6, 2022. Additionally, she was reportedly raised alongside her younger brother Julian, by their mother and grandparents.
The WNBA Rookie Shares A Special Bond With Her Mother, Angel Webb
According to WGN-TV, Reese and her mother share the same first name. Additionally, the WNBA baller learned the game of basketball directly from her mother. The outlet reports that Webb played college basketball at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Additionally, the outlet notes that Webb reportedly took her career overseas.
“I used to go to my mom’s games when I was younger. She used to play in a little league, and I used to always go watch her games on Sundays,” Reese told Just Women’s Sports in January 2023 when speaking about her mom. “That was something that was always inspiring to me. She’s always been independent and she molded that into me. I am who I am because of her.”
Independence isn’t the only thing Reese credits her mother for. In April 2023, while speaking with ESPN, she shared her admiration for her mother’s confidence.
“Looking at her and seeing how she never backed down to anything. She always stood her ground for everything, she worked super hard for me and my brother to get in this position,” Reese said. “Being able to just look at her and say ‘Mom, you showed me. You paved the way for me.'”
#1
The 22-Year-Old Began Her Basketball Career At The University Of Maryland
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According to WGN-TV, Reese began her collegiate basketball career at the University of Maryland before heading over to Louisiana State University.
The outlet adds that Reese initially considered five colleges before deciding on Maryland. They reportedly included “Maryland, South Carolina, Syracuse, USC, and Tennessee.”
Furthermore, the outlet notes that Reese began her run as a Maryland Terrapin in November 2019.
According to the Daily Advertiser, Reese transferred to LSU after her sophomore year at Maryland.
“I wanted more for myself,” Reese told Just Women’s Sports in 2023. “I knew that I wanted to develop into that stretch-four player, so being able to do that and play under a coach that could help me get to that level [was important]… I mean, there are way bigger players than me in the WNBA, so I know that I would have to play that stretch-four position.”
#2
Angel Reese Reportedly Filed To Trademark Her Initial Nickname, "Bayou Barbie," Which Was Coined By Fans
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According to On3, Reese and her team filed a trademark for her nickname, Bayou Barbie, in February 2023. Additionally, the trademark filing appeared to signify that Reese had plans to sell merchandise with the moniker.
“Yeah, she is the most fabulous, amazing woman ever,” her agent, Jeanine Ogbonnaya, previously told the outlet while explaining the nickname. “She loves the color pink. She’s always getting her hair and nails done for games. So that definitely plays a big part into it.”
In a February report from On3, it was shared that Reese’s filing was denied in November 2023. Additionally, it was reported that Reese and her camp decided to abandon their plans after they missed the 90-day window to submit arguments to the decision.
The outlet adds that Reese’s trademark was reportedly denied to avoid any potential confusion or conflict with the household brand, Barbie.
“We discussed internally and determined that it was in Angel’s best interest to not unnecessarily instigate Mattel,” Darren Heitner, who filed the trademark paperwork for Reese told the outlet at the time. “While initially it seemed worthy to obtain the registration, Angel has pivoted away from selling Bayou Barbie merchandise. As such, the appropriate business decision was made to simply let the application abandon.”
#3
The Now "Chi Barbie" Recently Joined An Ownership Group For A Pro Women's Soccer Team
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According to KXLH, the DC Power Football Club announced Reese as “the first member of its ownership group” on Tuesday, May 21.
At the time, Reese reportedly shared a statement about her newest title.
“I’ve always wanted to impact sports, not just women’s basketball,” she explained. “I’ve always said I wanted to have part ownership of something. Obviously, basketball is my main thing, but growing up in the DMV area, I’ve loved sports, always, so being able to be a part of the Power FC soccer (team) is going to be so cool.”
Reese, who’s a household name in the basketball world, added that she is “invested in soccer.”
“A lot of my friends play soccer as well,” she continued. “I’m super excited for this partnership, and a lot of young black women don’t have these opportunities.”
According to the outlet, Reese’s team will begin its season in August. Furthermore, while speaking with the media, the 22-year-old also shared her future ownership plans.
“I know a lot more women are going to start owning more things,” she said. “Hopefully, one day I can own my own team. That’s what I’m looking forward to. I want to own a WNBA team as well.”
