Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese Shows Bold Confidence in Struggling Rookie as Critics Circle: “We All Go Through It—She’ll Be Just Fine”

In a season filled with growing pains, fierce rivalries, and no shortage of headlines, Angel Reese continues to emerge as more than just a breakout rookie for the Chicago Sky—she’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most vocal leaders and fiercest supporters of her teammates.

And now, in a move that’s turning heads across the WNBA, Reese has stepped up to defend and uplift a struggling rookie teammate, silencing critics and proving, once again, that her confidence extends beyond her own game.

While she may be a newcomer to the league herself, Angel Reese is playing—and leading—like a veteran.

“She’s Going Through It. But Who Doesn’t?”

Reese made headlines this week during a post-game interview following a tough Chicago Sky loss in which one of the team’s rookies—whose name has been swirling in media commentary due to underwhelming performances—posted yet another scoreless night, riddled with turnovers and missed shots.

When asked about the rookie’s rough patch, Reese didn’t hesitate.

“We all go through it,” she said, her tone steady but sharp. “This league isn’t easy. If you expect perfection from day one, you’re in the wrong business.”

Reese, who herself has had to endure intense media scrutiny ever since she declared for the WNBA after her explosive college career at LSU, knows a thing or two about pressure.

“I believe in her. I’ve seen what she can do. I talk to her every day. I tell her, ‘You’re gonna mess up. But you belong here.’”

The comments quickly went viral, drawing praise from both fans and WNBA veterans alike who applauded Reese’s sense of leadership and emotional maturity.

A Rookie Who Leads Like a Captain

What makes Reese’s support so powerful is that she’s a rookie, too. But unlike most first-year players who spend their inaugural season quietly finding their footing, Reese has leaned into the spotlight and used it to uplift others.

That’s not a role she asked for—but one she’s clearly embraced.

From the start, Angel Reese arrived in the WNBA with a reputation as a polarizing star. Loved by millions, scrutinized by some, she was known for her swagger, her competitive fire, and her refusal to apologize for being unapologetically herself.

Now, just months into her pro career, she’s adding another quality to that list: mentor.

“I check in with her every day,” Reese said of the struggling rookie. “Whether she had a good game or not, I want her to know she’s not alone.”

In a league where rookies often compete for minutes, shots, and endorsement deals, Reese is carving out a different legacy—one built on loyalty, not ego.

Teammates React: “She’s Got All of Our Backs”

Inside the Sky locker room, Reese’s influence is unmistakable.

Veteran forward Marina Mabrey praised Reese’s presence on and off the court:

“Angel shows up. Whether it’s on the glass, on defense, or in practice with words of encouragement—she’s there. And that’s rare for a rookie.”

Another teammate added, anonymously:

“She’s more vocal than half the league. And it’s not noise—it’s leadership.”

That leadership has been especially important as the Sky continue to navigate a challenging season, one marked by injuries, growing pains, and inconsistent lineups.

But while the team’s record has fluctuated, one thing hasn’t: Reese’s relentless positivity.

“She won’t let you hang your head,” said the rookie in question, who asked not to be named for the piece. “There were days I didn’t think I could do it. She’d call me late at night, or she’d pull me aside in practice. And she’d just say, ‘You’re not done yet.’”

Reese’s Rookie Year: From College Icon to Pro Role Model

Angel Reese’s journey to the WNBA is already the stuff of legend.

At LSU, she became a national phenomenon—leading the Tigers to a national championship, setting rebounding records, and becoming one of the most talked-about athletes in college sports. Her rivalry with Caitlin Clark fueled record TV ratings, but it was her unapologetic authenticity that won fans over.

She brought that same fire into the WNBA—but adjusted her role.

Instead of chasing headlines, she’s building chemistry. Instead of talking trash, she’s talking truth—to herself, to her teammates, and to the media.

In her first season, she’s averaging a double-double, grabbing headlines not for controversy but for consistent hustle, defensive energy, and locker room leadership. And now, she’s using her growing platform to stand up for those who haven’t found their rhythm yet.

“Just because you’re quiet, doesn’t mean you’re not hungry,” Reese said about her teammate. “And just because you’re struggling, doesn’t mean you’re not a star.”

The Internet Reacts: “This Is the Angel We Love”

Fans flooded social media with praise after Reese’s comments aired.

“This is why she’s HER,” one fan tweeted. “She’s not just a baller. She’s a leader.”

“Angel Reese isn’t just protecting her teammate—she’s teaching a masterclass in emotional intelligence,” said another.

Even ESPN host Monica McNutt commented:

“I hope people are seeing the growth here. Angel’s evolving in real-time. This is what a face of the league looks like.”

Meanwhile, critics who once painted Reese as “too flashy” or “too loud” are finding it harder to sustain that narrative.

Her poise in moments like this—when a teammate is faltering, when the pressure is high, and when the cameras are rolling—paints a different picture entirely: a young woman who lifts others while still learning how to rise herself.

A Message to the League: “Support Your Rookies”

Reese ended her post-game comments with a message aimed at fans, media, and even league officials:

“Not everyone comes into the league hot. Not everyone gets the hype or the minutes. But everyone deserves support.”

She pointed out the need for better rookie development programs, mental health support, and stronger mentorship pipelines within teams.

“We can’t just throw players into the fire and expect them to shine. We gotta help them grow.”

Her words echo sentiments expressed by other WNBA players in recent years, especially as the league becomes increasingly competitive and demanding, with younger players facing pressure to produce immediately.

But where others offer critique, Reese is offering solutions—and a living example of what that support looks like.

What’s Next for the Sky—and for Angel Reese?

The Chicago Sky are in the thick of a rebuilding year, and while a championship may not be within reach this season, the foundation being laid is invaluable.

With young leaders like Angel Reese stepping up, the team is building something more enduring than wins: a culture.

A culture of accountability, compassion, and confidence.

And while Reese may still be learning the ropes herself, one thing is clear—she’s already someone her teammates look up to.

“I didn’t come here to be a star,” she said. “I came here to win. And to help my team win. However I can.”

Whether that’s through scoring, rebounding, or standing up for a struggling rookie, Angel Reese is proving every day that she’s built for this moment—and the next one.

Final Words: The Angel Effect

At just 22 years old, Angel Reese has become a symbol of the WNBA’s future—not just because of her on-court talent, but because of how she shows up when the lights aren’t on her.

She’s the kind of player who claps for you even when she’s hurting. The kind who notices when you’re down and offers a shoulder, not just a solution.

And in a world where professional sports can often feel cutthroat and isolating, that kind of presence matters.

It matters to fans.

It matters to teammates.

And most importantly, it matters to that one rookie who—despite the noise—now knows she has someone in her corner.

Because sometimes, the truest test of greatness isn’t what you do for yourself—it’s what you do for others.

And Angel Reese? She’s already passing with flying colors.