Angel Reese Addresses Tough Start, Shares Honest Thoughts, Vows to Lead and Grow After Chicago Sky’s 0-3 Season Opening Skid

After three games, three losses, and plenty of scrutiny, Angel Reese stood in front of the media and delivered an honest, passionate reflection on her early WNBA journey with the Chicago Sky. The highly touted rookie, known for her charisma, hustle, and national championship pedigree, faced the music after the Sky dropped to 0-3 to start the 2025 season.

Reese, who came into the league with immense fanfare after being drafted No. 7 overall, hasn’t shied away from pressure. Her postgame remarks offered a glimpse not just into her current mindset, but into the maturity and leadership she’s striving to bring to a team still searching for its identity. And though the final result once again didn’t go Chicago’s way, Reese showed the same unfiltered confidence and accountability that made her a household name long before her first WNBA bucket.

“Nobody likes to lose. I don’t like to lose. I hate it,” Reese said after the game, her voice steady but passionate. “But I’m learning. We’re learning. This is part of the journey. And I’m not going to hang my head, and neither are my teammates.”

In the loss, Reese had one of her best statistical games of the young season, putting up a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, along with two steals. She battled on the glass, contested shots, and made things difficult in the paint. Still, she knows effort doesn’t always translate to wins right away — especially in a league filled with seasoned veterans and future Hall of Famers.

“I came from winning. I’m used to winning. So when it doesn’t happen right away, it’s frustrating. But I know it’s a process,” she explained. “You can’t skip steps. You can’t fake chemistry. We’re building something here.”

The Sky entered the 2025 season with a retooled roster, a new head coach in Teresa Weatherspoon, and a mix of experienced players and promising young talent like Reese. With a challenging schedule right out of the gate and several players adjusting to new roles, cohesion has been slow to develop. Reese hasn’t used any of that as an excuse. Instead, she’s doubled down on the importance of buying in and embracing her role on and off the court.

“I know what I bring. Energy. Hustle. Heart. I’m going to give that every night no matter what the scoreboard says,” she said. “I want to be the kind of player that holds others accountable — and myself too. That starts with how I carry myself in moments like this.”

Reese’s comments weren’t just about her individual play. She showed an awareness of the team’s overall struggles, pointing out areas where growth is needed and how she hopes to contribute to that evolution.

“We’ve got to talk more on defense. The little things — boxing out, helping the helper, communicating through screens — that’s where we’re getting beat right now,” she said. “But I see it getting better already. I see the effort. We just have to keep grinding and trust that the work will pay off.”

While critics have been quick to analyze her shooting percentage or fouls, Reese doesn’t seem rattled. Instead, she welcomes the challenge, using it as fuel rather than discouragement.

“Everybody wants to talk about what you can’t do. I hear it all. I see it. But that’s nothing new to me. I’ve been doubted my whole career,” she said. “That’s why I play the way I do. That’s why I’m always going to fight. Because I know who I am, and I know where I’m going.”

Reese’s ability to speak candidly while remaining team-first is one of her most admirable traits. She doesn’t deflect. She doesn’t blame. Instead, she speaks from experience and from a place of wanting to be better. That mentality, she said, is something she learned long before the spotlight found her.

“My mom always told me, ‘You control your energy.’ And I’m bringing that with me every day. If I’m down, my team feels it. So I choose to bring light even in the dark moments,” she said.

When asked about how she’s adjusting to the pace and physicality of the WNBA, Reese didn’t sugarcoat it.

“It’s real. These women are strong, smart, fast — everything. You’ve got to be locked in every second. There’s no room to coast,” she said. “But I love it. I’m a competitor. I want to go against the best. I want to be one of the best. And that means I’ve got to keep learning and keep working.”

She also offered praise for her teammates, particularly veterans who’ve taken her under their wing during the early part of the season.

“They’ve been amazing. Talking to me during games, pulling me aside, watching film. That stuff matters. They’re investing in me, and I’m thankful for that,” she said. “And I want to do the same. I want to be someone who lifts others up and pushes us to win.”

Off the court, Reese continues to embrace her role as a role model for younger players and a voice for women’s sports. She knows the impact her platform holds and wants to use it responsibly.

“I know there are little girls watching. I know there are people rooting for me and people waiting for me to fail,” she said. “That’s why I try to be real in everything I do. I want them to know you don’t have to be perfect. Just be yourself and keep showing up.”

When asked if the 0-3 start changes anything about her goals for the season, she shook her head.

“Not one bit. We’re still going to fight for a playoff spot. We’re still going to get better every day. And I’m still going to give everything I’ve got for this team and this city,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”

Reese’s words struck a chord with fans who’ve followed her since her college days. She’s not just a talented athlete — she’s a natural leader, someone who brings authenticity and emotion into every space she walks into. That type of presence can be transformative, and the Sky will likely rely on her spirit as much as her skill in the weeks ahead.

“It’s going to turn. I believe that,” she said with a determined look. “And when it does, it’s going to feel even sweeter because we stayed true and stayed together.”

Chicago’s next game offers another chance to get into the win column, and there’s no doubt Angel Reese will be ready — body, mind, and heart. With each rebound, each hard-fought possession, she’s carving out her place in the league — not just as a rookie, but as a cornerstone for the future.

“This is a chapter. Not the whole book,” she said with a grin. “We’re going to keep writing it our way.”