Angel Reese Has Two Words After Moment With Michelle Obama

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Angel Reese Has Two Words After Moment With Michelle Obama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 8:07 AM ET

In two seasons in the WNBA so far, Angel Reese has established herself as an All-Star and one of the most promising young players today. Reese is a double-double machine with career averages of 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

Reese has also made plenty of history in the process, including setting a new record for the longest double-double streak in the WNBA with 15.

The 23-year-old forward also continues to thrive beyond the basketball court, becoming a trailblazer for other female athletes. In 2025, Reese became the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

Last March, Reese also became the first female athlete to wear a signature shoe on the cover of Vogue.

Former Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese looks on from the sidelines.Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Amid her popularity, though, Reese has her fair share of criticism. On the court, several critics say that she's basically stat-padding by grabbing her own rebounds. Her shot selection has also been a subject of scrutiny.

Off the court, some believe that she's more focused on her image and branding rather than her performance in the WNBA.

On Wednesday, former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama showed her support for the new Atlanta Dream forward amid all the criticism she's getting. Obama was full of praise for Reese and for the way she has handled herself.

"You are handling yourself beautifully. I mean, it's not just what you do, but the way you carry yourself, girl. I mean, it is really a joy to watch you manage it all, and you do it with a smile on your face with an excellent attitude," Obama told Reese in the latest episode of the IMO podcast. "You are a special, special person."

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Reese, for her part, was full of appreciation for the global icon and didn't hide her admiration for her.

"MY IDOL," Reese wrote on her Instagram Stories, along with the video of Obama praising her. She also included an emoji showing a face nearly in tears, highlighting that the message made her emotional.

For what it's worth, Obama not only praised Reese but also warned the haters to "stop" messing with her.

"Don't mess with this girl. Don't mess with her spirit. Do not mess with this angel. Stop it. Just stop it," Obama added.

Clearly, Reese has a big fan in the beloved 62-year-old public figure.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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