Angel Reese, forward for the Chicago Sky, is preparing for the upcoming 2026 WNBA season while recovering from a back injury that sidelined her for 14 games last year. Beyond basketball, Reese has recently disclosed her interest in culinary arts as a potential career path if her professional basketball journey had taken a different route.
From Randallstown to WNBA Stardom and Culinary Ambitions
Now entering her third WNBA season, Reese was the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and hails from Randallstown, Maryland. She has quickly made a name for herself with her remarkable rebounding, strong perimeter defense, and ability to move swiftly on the court. Notably, Reese is the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds.
Her college career was exceptional, highlighted by leading LSU to its first NCAA championship and earning the 2024 Player of the Year award. Despite her evident success in basketball, Reese revealed her alternate passion in an interview with Women’s Health Magazine. She shared plans to pursue culinary training alongside her sports career.
I am actually going to start culinary school soon,
Reese said.
This announcement confirms Reese’s genuine enthusiasm for cooking and her intention to explore this path seriously in the near future. Yet, her primary focus remains on the basketball court, where she continues to excel and break records.
Maintaining Excellence Despite Challenges and Injury
Last season, Reese led the WNBA in rebounding with an average of 12.6 per game. She also set a league record with 11 consecutive double-doubles and ranked as the second-youngest player to achieve a triple-double. However, injuries curtailed her playing time to 30 games in her sophomore year, including missing six straight matches late in the season due to a back issue.
To address this, Reese dedicated her offseason to rehabilitation and conditioning, choosing to forgo participating in the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league’s second season to focus on her recovery. Despite last year’s struggles with the Chicago Sky ending with a 10–34 record, Reese aims to return refreshed and ready to lead.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season and Beyond
At 23 years old and already a two-time WNBA rebound champion, Angel Reese is poised to make a significant impact as the Chicago Sky open their 2026 season against the Portland Fire on May 9. Her blend of athletic talent and evolving culinary interests highlights her multifaceted ambitions beyond basketball and suggests an inspiring future both on and off the court.
Angel Reese revealed she's starting culinary school soon 👩🍳
(via @WomensHealthMag) pic.twitter.com/bgZ8OhSuL6
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) February 10, 2026
