Angel Reese is once again the subject of public debate – this time over her being named Sportswoman of the Year, a recognition that many fans feel should have gone to Coco Gauff or Simone Biles.
With Reese now having completed her first full WNBA season with the Chicago Sky, critics are questioning whether her on-court performance truly warranted the top honor, especially in a year of historic athletic feats across women’s sports.
Reese had a solid rookie campaign in the WNBA, showing growth, toughness, and a strong rebounding presence. Her presence off the court has also remained influential, continuing to attract media attention and expand the cultural impact of women’s basketball.
Still, many fans feel that her achievements pale in comparison to those of Coco Gauff, who just claimed her second career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 French Open, and Simone Biles, who made a celebrated return and dominated the 2024 World Gymnastics Championships.
Online backlash erupted soon after the announcement, with many questioning how Reese’s year stacked up against Gauff’s or Biles’. “No way Angel deserves this over Coco,” one user posted. “Gauff just won Roland Garros and is now world No. 1 – what are we rewarding here?”
Fans weigh media power against athletic dominance
While Reese’s impact on pop culture and branding has been undeniable, critics argue that it should not overshadow raw athletic accomplishment. Gauff’s stellar performance on clay and Biles’ continued excellence after a hiatus have many calling the voting process into question.
Some have defended the selection, pointing to Reese’s influence in attracting younger audiences to the WNBA and her role in elevating women’s basketball into the mainstream. Yet the growing divide between popularity and performance suggests this debate will shape how future honors are awarded – and who fans feel truly earns them.
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