10-24-2021 Women to Watch - Flipbook - Page 21
25 WOMEN TO WATCH
PHOTOS BY LLOYD FOX
ANGEL REESE
19, Maryland women’s basketball player
Angel Reese did not have to search far for a role
model. She already had one in her mother, also
named Angel, a member of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Athletics Hall of Fame.
“She raised two kids by herself so that me and
my brother can go to the same high school and college,” said the younger Angel, who has been joined
by brother, Julian, on campus in College Park. “I did
this for her. She’s done everything alone, and I feel
like I’m independent, too.”
The younger Reese has been a source of inspiration, too. A two-time Baltimore Sun All-Metro girls
basketball Player of the Year and the first player to
have her jersey retired by St. Frances, Reese was
ESPN’s No. 2 overall recruit as a senior in 2019-20.
In her first three starts as a freshman for the
University of Maryland last winter, the 6-foot-3
forward totaled 51 points, 26 rebounds, six blocks,
five assists and four steals. But in her fourth game
against Towson, she fractured her right foot and
missed 14 consecutive games.
“When I got injured, I was like, ‘It’s the end of
the world,’” she said. “I thought it was the end of
my career and everything. But just being able to be
strong, I feel like I’ve inspired many girls, especially
the girls who have reached out to me.”
After undergoing surgery, Reese tried to lift up
her teammates from the bench. Maryland coach
Brenda Frese said Reese’s enthusiasm was conta-
gious.
“As a freshman, sometimes you come in, and
you’re very shy and introverted. Not Angel from
Day One,” Frese said. “She was that strong voice —
whether it was competing on the practice court or
engaging her teammates to come over and watch
a game.”
Despite the injury, Reese returned for 11 more
games, averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds, and was
named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team. But her
top priority is helping the Terps reach the Final
Four after last season’s loss to Texas in the Sweet 16.
“Whatever comes to me, comes to me,” she said.
“I’m worried about the bigger things, which is how
I can help the team.”
— Edward Lee
2021
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