Angel Reese gets real on having ‘thick skin’

Angel Reese continues to thrive under the spotlight, but the Chicago Sky star recently offered a candid look at the mindset that has helped her navigate the pressures of stardom. As one of the WNBA’s most recognizable players, Reese explained that developing resilience has become essential, even as she continues to embrace the emotions that come with life on and off the basketball court.

Since entering the professional ranks, Reese has experienced constant attention from fans, critics and the media. Every performance, social media post and public appearance has generated discussion, making her one of the league’s most closely followed athletes. Rather than allowing outside opinions to define her, Reese has gradually learned how to manage the expectations that accompany her growing platform while remaining focused on her personal and professional goals.

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) celebrates a basket against the Minnesota Lynx. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Reese acknowledged that having thick skin remains an important part of her approach, but she also emphasized that emotional strength does not mean ignoring difficult moments. She explained that everyone experiences a range of emotions and believes it is healthy to recognize and process those feelings instead of suppressing them. According to Reese, bottling up emotions can eventually become overwhelming, making self-awareness and reflection just as important as confidence.

To maintain her mental well-being, Reese has developed routines that help her stay grounded throughout the demands of a long season. She shared that spending time alone, practicing meditation and writing down her thoughts have become valuable habits that allow her to reset mentally. Those practices, along with maintaining a strong support system, have helped her prevent outside distractions from affecting her daily life as much as they once did.

WNBA Star Angel Reese Gets Real on Having ‘Thick Skin’

Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) and rapper Latto interact after a victory against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Reese revealed the reason why it’s necessary to have thick skin. This can be seen in an article by Aiyana Ishmael for Cosmopolitan.

You’ve mentioned before how it’s necessary to have thick skin. Is that something you still want to have or does it feel like a true need?

“I always have thick skin, but we all have emotions, and I think it’s important to value each emotion and take time with each emotion,” Reese said. “And at a point, when you bottle it all up, you will explode. But having good people to talk to, sitting with myself, meditating, writing things down helps. A lot of things don’t really bother me as much anymore.”

The maturity Reese has displayed away from basketball mirrors the growth she has shown on the court. She has continued to establish herself as one of the league’s premier young talents while embracing the responsibilities that come with being a prominent figure in women’s sports. Her willingness to speak openly about mental health also reflects a broader effort by professional athletes to encourage honest conversations about emotional wellness.

Reese’s perspective demonstrates that resilience involves more than simply blocking out criticism. By balancing confidence with self-care and emotional honesty, she has built an approach that allows her to handle the pressures of professional sports while continuing to grow as both a player and a person.