SAD – I Guess You’ve Probably Heard the Bad News About LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball X-Star Angel Reese By Now… It Truly Hurts
In the world of college basketball, few names have shone as brightly and as boldly in recent years as Angel Reese. Known for her powerful presence on the court, magnetic personality off it, and unapologetic authenticity, Reese captured national attention not just as a top-tier athlete but as a cultural icon. But as of recently, the news surrounding the former LSU Tigers women’s basketball star has taken a somber turn — and it’s left fans, teammates, and the basketball community at large feeling a profound sense of loss and disappointment.
So, what happened?
Angel Reese, who helped lead LSU to a national championship and became one of the most recognizable faces in NCAA women’s basketball, has officially moved on from her college career. While this transition was expected — given her announcement earlier this year that she would be declaring for the WNBA Draft — the “bad news” isn’t that she’s left LSU. Rather, it’s the painful realization of what her departure symbolizes: the end of a remarkable era.
For fans of the Tigers, watching Reese dominate game after game became a thrilling norm. Her charisma, on-court leadership, and fierce determination weren’t just inspirational — they were transformative. She redefined what it meant to be a modern college athlete. Bold, confident, and outspoken, Reese didn’t shy away from controversy and wasn’t afraid to show emotion. That honesty made her beloved by many and, admittedly, polarizing to others. But no matter what side of the debate one fell on, there was no denying her impact.
During her time at LSU, Angel Reese racked up accolades. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, averaging a double-double and shattering records along the way. Her rivalry with Iowa’s Caitlin Clark brought new energy to the women’s game, drawing in massive TV ratings and sparking national conversations about sportsmanship, race, and the evolving landscape of women’s athletics.
But now, with Reese gone, LSU finds itself in a state of transition. The team will need to rebuild — not just in terms of talent but in terms of identity. Reese wasn’t just a star player; she was the face of the program. Her departure leaves a vacuum that won’t be easy to fill.
Adding to the emotional weight of the situation is how much Reese gave to LSU. She transferred from Maryland to find a new home, and under Coach Kim Mulkey’s guidance, she flourished. But it wasn’t always smooth. Reese was candid about her struggles with mental health, the pressures of fame, and the burden of being a role model in the public eye. Her openness about these issues made her even more relatable and admirable.
Now, with her WNBA career just beginning (she was selected by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 draft), many are hopeful about what lies ahead. Yet, there’s also a lingering sadness — not because she’s failed or done something wrong, but because we’re saying goodbye to one of the most dynamic chapters in college basketball history.
The “bad news” isn’t a scandal, injury, or dramatic fall from grace. It’s the emotional weight of losing a player who meant so much to the game, to the fans, and to a generation of young girls watching her defy expectations. Angel Reese was a beacon — a reminder that female athletes deserve just as much attention, respect, and recognition as their male counterparts.
As LSU gears up for the next season, they’ll do so without their brightest star. But Angel’s legacy will endure. Her influence on LSU, on women’s basketball, and on sports culture is cemented.
Yes, it’s sad. Change often is. But it’s also the beginning of a new story — one that Angel Reese will continue to write on a bigger stage. And for LSU? Well, they’ll carry her spirit with them every time they step on the court.