Reese reflects on adversity in second WNBA season as she unwinds in paradise

Angel Reese reflected on her second WNBA season in a public post after Chicago’s campaign ended, saying the year was filled with “many lessons” and that she faced “so much adversity.” In an Instagram message tied to a highlight reel celebrating her being named the Rebounding Leader of 2025, the 23-year-old LSU product wrote that Year 2 taught her growth and that this is only the beginning. Reese, who was a first-round pick in 2024, also noted her on-court production this season: she averaged 12.6 rebounds per game and, in 30 games with the Sky, 14.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest.

Chicago finished with a 10-34 record, a downturn that prompted Reese to speak openly about the direction the organization needs to move in. She has been outspoken at times about team needs and her own timeline, telling the Chicago Tribune in early September that she is “very vocal about what we need and what I want,” and that if circumstances don’t pan out, she could pursue options elsewhere while remaining open to maximizing her current situation. Reese later apologized to teammates for remarks that led to a suspension for the first half of a league game.

As the Sky closed out a difficult season, the topic of Reese’s future with Chicago remained unresolved at the executive level. General manager Jeff Pagliocca said last week that, until he hears differently, Reese remains on the Sky roster. The team has not publicly announced any potential changes involving her status beyond the season’s end, and Reese appears to be taking time away from basketball to unwind.

On social media, Reese has continued to post snapshots from a tropical getaway, including swimsuit photos and reflective captions. In one Instagram Story, she wrote, “Sometimes this is just all you need,” followed by, “I’m so grateful & thankful for this life man.” The public messages reflect a season of personal and professional growth amid a year that included on-court success in rebounds and moments of controversy that drew scrutiny from fans and observers.

The 2025 season highlighted both Reese’s continued development as a two-way contributor and the broader question of Chicago’s direction. While she has acknowledged growth and a strong work ethic, the Sky’s team-building needs appear to be a separate issue that the organization will have to address in the coming months as it evaluates its roster and coaching staff. Reese’s social-media reflections and the team’s public statements provide a snapshot of a player who is determined to maximize her career, even as the franchise contends with a difficult season and an uncertain path forward.