Angel Reese is quickly adapting to the Atlanta Dream, showing improvement in her shot and confidence. Her seamless transition is aided by head coach Karl Smesko's guidance and the supportive team environment.
Key points
Angel Reese is adapting well to the Atlanta Dream.
She has praised her teammates and the team environment.
Head coach Karl Smesko is focused on analytics to improve her shot.
Reese is experiencing noticeable improvement in her game.
Reese has spent the first 10 days after her introductory press conference on April 17 focusing on basketball. She's praised her teammates and the "electric" environment they've provided, making her acclimation to the team "seamless." Reese also shouted out second-year head coach Karl Smesko for his coaching and guidance, helping to improve her shot.
"We’ve been working a lot. Forty-five (degrees), straight — he’s very big on analytics — so he’s helped me a lot. I can see the improvement already from yesterday to today," Reese said on April 20. "But it’s been great. It’s been seamless. Amazing. Picking up things on the fly … but it’s been a great adjustment.”
Reese said earlier this month that she wanted to be coached hard. Smesko appears to be delivering.
On Monday, the former Florida Gulf Coast women's basketball coach spoke to his team in a calm but firm voice that noticeably cut through the silence in the gym with booming authority. Smesko, with a whistle in hand and arms extended outward, demanded extra attention to detail and focus from every player on the court.
He pointed out mistakes ― the incorrect set, a pending shot clock violation or defensive effort he wasn't pleased with ― by making his team run things again or asking them to take the reins on pointing out where they went wrong.
Smesko also heaped praise on his group when they did something well, and the team responded, including Reese, who kept up her intensity and communication throughout the portion of the practice open to the media. After practice, Reese smiled gleefully when asked about her first training camp under Smesko.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina's Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
Q&A
How is Angel Reese adapting to the Atlanta Dream?
Angel Reese is finding her comfort with the Atlanta Dream, focusing on basketball and improving her shot with the help of her teammates and coach.
What coaching style is Karl Smesko using with Angel Reese?
Karl Smesko employs a calm yet authoritative coaching style, emphasizing attention to detail and analytics to help Reese improve her game.
What specific improvements has Angel Reese noticed in her game?
Angel Reese has observed significant improvements in her shot, attributing this progress to the focused training and guidance from her coach.
What has been the team environment like for Angel Reese in Atlanta?
The team environment has been described as 'electric,' providing a supportive atmosphere that has made Reese's transition to the Atlanta Dream seamless.
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Purdue's Rickie Woltman dribbles under the net against Maryland's Angel Reese during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
Purdue's Nyagoa Gony goes up for a shot against Maryland's Angel Reese during the second quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
Maryland Terrapins head coach Brenda Frese and Angel Reese hug after their game against Northwestern at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 12, 2021.
Iowa's Caitlin Clark and Maryland's Angel Reese react to a call during a Big Ten conference game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maryland's Angel Reese flexes during an NCAA Big Ten conference game against Caitlin Clark and Iowa on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maryland's Angel Reese celebrates after forcing a turnover against Iowa's Caitlin Clark during a Big Ten game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maryland's Angel Reese and teammates celebrate after a Big Ten game against Iowa on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
Maryland Terrapins forward Angel Reese after hitting a big shot on March 4, 2022, during the women's Big Ten tournament action from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana won 62-51.
Angel Reese takes a shot as LSU women's basketball takes on the Auburn Tigers at the Marovich Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Jan. 15, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks on before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 30, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts to a play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Feb. 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and South Carolina Gamecocks forward Victaria Saxton tip-off in the first half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks on against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2023.
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey gives directions to forward Angel Reese against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese pauses at the free throw line against Utah during the fourth quarter in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 24, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese cuts the net to celebrate the team's win over the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 26, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese hugs head coach Kim Mulkey and celebrates their win over the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 26, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese poses for a photo with the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese holds the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese keeps the ball from Miami forward Lola Pendande and Miami guard Jasmine Roberts during the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU women's basketball players LaDazhia Williams, Angel Reese, Alexis Morris and Kateri Poole wait to be introduced before Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU forward Angel Reese, or the "Bayou Barbie," puts on her crown while being introduced before the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks as head coach Kim Mulkey reacts as they speak to members of the media at American Airlines Center on March 30, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts in the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women's basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
LSU Tigers guard Flau'jae Johnson celebrates with forward Angel Reese after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women's basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese celebrates with her team after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women's basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese leaps into the air with a teammate prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the final round of the women's basketball Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and Iowa Hawkeyes forward Monika Czinano battle for the opening tip in the first half during the Final Four championship game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark defends against LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese in the first half during the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Molly Davis drives to the basket against LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese in the second half during the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey talks with forward Angel Reese during a stop in play against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese, middle, reacts after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts while cutting down a piece of the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese speaks to members of the media after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures and points to her ring finger during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures to Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark after the game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
LSU's Angel Reese and Emily Ward present President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden jerseys honoring LSU's 2023 national championship as they visit the White House with LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey on May 26, 2023.
LSU basketball player Angel Reese arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023.
NCAA women's basketball national champion Angel Reese prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 18, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese smiles after receiving her 1,000th rebound game ball before a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Nov. 30, 2023.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts after a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 25, 2024.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese takes a photo for senior night with former LSU player and NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal, LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey and Reese’s mother, Angel Webb, against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 3, 2024.
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese places the LSU nameplate on the Sweet 16 bracket after defeating Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 24, 2024.
Angel Reese walks the red carpet before the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on Apr. 15, 2024.
Angel Reese poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after she is selected with the No. 7 overall pick to the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024.
Angel Reese leaves The Mark Hotel for the Met Gala, the annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York on May 6, 2024. The 2024 theme for the gala was "The Garden of Time."
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese reacts during the first quarter against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 15, 2024.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shoots during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 15, 2024.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese arrives for a WNBA game against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on June 4, 2024.
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shake hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark steals the ball from Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025.
Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky celebrates against the Seattle Storm during the second half at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 19, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese drives to the basket against Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson during the first half at Wintrust Arena on Aug 25, 2025.
Saniya Rivers #22 of the Connecticut Sun and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky embrace after a game at Wintrust Arena on Sept. 3, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
Angel Reese walks the runway for Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 on Oct. 15, 2025 in New York City.
Angel Reece poses during a media opportunity at Bondi Icebergs on Feb. 4, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
Angel Reese attends the NBA London Game 2026 at The O2 Arena on Jan. 18, 2026 in London, England.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina's Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina's Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Purdue's Rickie Woltman dribbles under the net against Maryland's Angel Reese during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Purdue's Nyagoa Gony goes up for a shot against Maryland's Angel Reese during the second quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland Terrapins head coach Brenda Frese and Angel Reese hug after their game against Northwestern at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 12, 2021.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Iowa's Caitlin Clark and Maryland's Angel Reese react to a call during a Big Ten conference game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland's Angel Reese flexes during an NCAA Big Ten conference game against Caitlin Clark and Iowa on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland's Angel Reese celebrates after forcing a turnover against Iowa's Caitlin Clark during a Big Ten game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland's Angel Reese and teammates celebrate after a Big Ten game against Iowa on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Maryland Terrapins forward Angel Reese after hitting a big shot on March 4, 2022, during the women's Big Ten tournament action from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana won 62-51.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese takes a shot as LSU women's basketball takes on the Auburn Tigers at the Marovich Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Jan. 15, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks on before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 30, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts to a play against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Feb. 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and South Carolina Gamecocks forward Victaria Saxton tip-off in the first half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks on against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey gives directions to forward Angel Reese against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 19, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese pauses at the free throw line against Utah during the fourth quarter in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 24, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese cuts the net to celebrate the team's win over the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 26, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese hugs head coach Kim Mulkey and celebrates their win over the Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 26, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese poses for a photo with the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese holds the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese keeps the ball from Miami forward Lola Pendande and Miami guard Jasmine Roberts during the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU women's basketball players LaDazhia Williams, Angel Reese, Alexis Morris and Kateri Poole wait to be introduced before Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU forward Angel Reese, or the "Bayou Barbie," puts on her crown while being introduced before the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese looks as head coach Kim Mulkey reacts as they speak to members of the media at American Airlines Center on March 30, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts in the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women's basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers guard Flau'jae Johnson celebrates with forward Angel Reese after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women's basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese celebrates with her team after defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies in semifinals of the women's Final Four of the 2023 NCAA women's basketball tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese leaps into the air with a teammate prior to the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the final round of the women's basketball Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and Iowa Hawkeyes forward Monika Czinano battle for the opening tip in the first half during the Final Four championship game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark defends against LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese in the first half during the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Molly Davis drives to the basket against LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese in the second half during the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey talks with forward Angel Reese during a stop in play against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second half during the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese, middle, reacts after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts while cutting down a piece of the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese celebrates after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese speaks to members of the media after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures and points to her ring finger during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures to Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark after the game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU's Angel Reese and Emily Ward present President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden jerseys honoring LSU's 2023 national championship as they visit the White House with LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey on May 26, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU basketball player Angel Reese arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre on July 12, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
NCAA women's basketball national champion Angel Reese prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 18, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese smiles after receiving her 1,000th rebound game ball before a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Nov. 30, 2023.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese reacts after a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Jan. 25, 2024.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese takes a photo for senior night with former LSU player and NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal, LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey and Reese’s mother, Angel Webb, against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 3, 2024.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese places the LSU nameplate on the Sweet 16 bracket after defeating Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 24, 2024.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese walks the red carpet before the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on Apr. 15, 2024.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after she is selected with the No. 7 overall pick to the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese leaves The Mark Hotel for the Met Gala, the annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York on May 6, 2024. The 2024 theme for the gala was "The Garden of Time."
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese reacts during the first quarter against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 15, 2024.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shoots during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 15, 2024.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese arrives for a WNBA game against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on June 4, 2024.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after fouling Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shake hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark steals the ball from Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky celebrates against the Seattle Storm during the second half at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 19, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese drives to the basket against Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson during the first half at Wintrust Arena on Aug 25, 2025.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Saniya Rivers #22 of the Connecticut Sun and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky embrace after a game at Wintrust Arena on Sept. 3, 2025 in Chicago, Ill.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese walks the runway for Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 on Oct. 15, 2025 in New York City.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reece poses during a media opportunity at Bondi Icebergs on Feb. 4, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.
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Angel Reese: WNBA star, LSU national champion, 'Bayou Barbie' and Caitlin Clark rival
Angel Reese attends the NBA London Game 2026 at The O2 Arena on Jan. 18, 2026 in London, England.
"My experience with Karl has been amazing. We work at it every day before practice ― about me shooting and keeping my shot on target and everything ― and I can tell the difference. Even my misses look like makes, and they're close enough," Reese said, laughing.
"He's been doing a lot of great things with me. He's sitting down individually (with me), but I appreciate him for holding me accountable every single possession, and always getting on me."
Still, Smesko, who commended Reese on her growth during her first Dream press conference, said Atlanta is the benefitting from having Reese on the team − not the other way around.
"Angel's gonna help us a lot more than us, a lot more than I'm going to help Angel. "She's such a talented player, and she's so great," Smesko said during Reese's first week of practice.
"From defense to rebounding to handling the ball ― just being able to drive by people ― she just can do so many things. It's just being able to utilize her to what she does best and then just keep expanding her game where she feels more comfortable shooting it, catching it, shot-faking and taking it to the rim. Things of that nature. It'll be a process ... I do think that you'll see a lot of growth over the season just by her attitude and willingness to work to get better."
