Angel Reese wasted no time addressing the controversy that shadowed the end of her season with the Chicago Sky.
In the debut episode of the second season of her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, the young forward confronted the headlines that surrounded her September suspension and the stormy close to a disappointing campaign.
The episode’s title, Exit interview my way, made it clear Reese was speaking directly to her decision to skip Chicago‘s voluntary exit interviews, a move that fueled speculation about her future.
The 22-year-old did not shy away from criticizing the Sky’s approach during the year, which left her frustrated with the lack of high-level reinforcements. She argued that the front office leaned too heavily on veterans like Courtney Vandersloot, whose torn ACL and difficulty adapting to coach Tyler Marsh‘s new system left the team short on firepower.
The Sky limped to a 10-34 finish, tying the Dallas Wings for the WNBA‘s worst record. In Reese’s view, it was a season that forced her to pivot away from worrying about team dynamics and instead invest in herself.
“I’m just really grateful being able to just continue to believe in myself,” Reese said. “I think this is the first season where I really put myself first. I was like, ‘Forget everything else.’ Like, I have to put myself first for my own mental sake. Like I’ve gone through everything and seen everything.
“So this is the first time I really sat and was like, ‘Okay, like you have to put yourself first this time and just continue to work, because nobody’s gonna want it more than I do.’ And knowing what I can bring when I’m at my best self, to the team, was really important.”
A season of setbacks and silver linings
While Reese’s suspension and outspoken comments dominated headlines, she reminded listeners of the progress she made on the floor.
She earned her second All-Star selection, a point of pride in a year where the Sky‘s postseason hopes evaporated early. Reese said she embraced the chance to gain confidence in her shooting game, which she sees as a foundation for the next step in her development.
Her decision to focus on personal growth was, in her words, about self-preservation. Chicago’s struggles tested her patience, but she insisted that doubling down on her own improvement was the best way to help her team long term.
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