Dream star Angel Reese on giving back, mentorship, why Atlanta inspires her
Angel Reese is bringing more than basketball to Atlanta.
On Saturday, the Atlanta Dream star, through her Angel C. Reese Foundation, hosted her Back-to-School Bash at the Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA, where 1,000 students received backpacks and school supplies.
Reese launched her foundation in 2023 to empower girls and women through sports, education and financial literacy.
Amid the music, games and activities, Reese also spoke with UATL about why Atlanta already feels like home, the mentors who shaped her life and the legacy she hopes to leave long after her playing career ends.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Q: You’ve only been in Atlanta a short time. What has the city meant to you so far?
A: Atlanta is culture. I think coming to Atlanta, obviously for the Dream, but also to be in the community, see people that look like you and be inspired by so many people that have come here and done a lot of great things. But also being able to give back to the community.
Seeing all the people outside today, the young kids, and knowing that they’re coming to get a backpack for the right cause is something that’s important to me. I’m really happy to be here.
Q: What does it mean to you to give away 1,000 backpacks today?
A: I try to give back to every city that I’m in. It’s bigger than basketball for me, and I want to be known for more than that. Leaving my impact is the most important thing. Hopefully, I leave some kids today with some smiles.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a mentor?
A: It means a lot. When I was younger, I didn’t have a lot of mentors. My mom was the biggest one in my corner, and I always just wanted to give back in the right way. I started when I was in Baltimore giving a scholarship to my high school that was really small and intimate. I want my foundation to be worldwide. I want to be able to travel everywhere and leave an impact.
Q: What is a lesson that success taught you that nothing else could have?
A: Understanding my purpose. Figuring out what I want to leave the game with. What do I want to leave my life with? That’s important to me. Even talking to somebody can change their life, change their day. I try to do that as best as I can.
Q: If 10-year-old Angel walked in here today, what do you think she’d say?
A: She’d be so happy and surprised, being able to come this far. You want to be a successful basketball player. You want to go to college and get your degree, but this is a lot bigger than that. I didn’t think I was going to be able to do this. And now being able to do it in my fourth city is really, really cool. So she would definitely be really happy. But also super surprised.
Senior social producer Ron Williams contributed to this story.
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