“BAYOU BARBIE MAKES HISTORY: Angel Reese Named One of TIME 100’s Most Influential in Sports, Cementing Her Legacy Beyond the Court”
In the ever-evolving narrative of modern sports, few figures have carved their legacy as rapidly, boldly, and impactfully as Angel Reese. Her journey from a high school prodigy to a national champion at LSU, a viral sensation, and now a TIME 100 honoree has been nothing short of cinematic. But this isn’t just about accolades—it’s about cultural impact, redefinition of standards, and unapologetic authenticity in a space that often demands conformity. With her latest recognition as one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME magazine, Reese has transcended the traditional bounds of an athlete and cemented herself as a powerful cultural icon.
This honor reflects not only her prowess on the basketball court but also the influence she exerts in media, fashion, advocacy, and the larger conversation around women in sports. Angel Reese represents a new wave of athlete—one that is as conscious of her community as she is of her crossover dribble. The TIME 100 list has long been a prestigious benchmark, spotlighting changemakers, disruptors, and leaders. Reese’s inclusion among global giants affirms her status as more than a standout forward—she’s a movement in motion.
From the moment she transferred to LSU, the spark was lit. Under the guidance of head coach Kim Mulkey, Angel Reese quickly became the face of the Lady Tigers, not just for her game-changing performances, but for the confidence, charisma, and candor with which she carried herself. Her rebounding dominance, scoring ability, and defensive tenacity helped propel LSU to the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, an achievement that would reverberate well beyond the confines of the hardwood. Her now-iconic gesture in the title game against Iowa—pointing to her ring finger—became an instant viral moment, igniting debates across the sports world, while simultaneously signaling a new era of brash, empowered female athletes who are unafraid to own their excellence.
That gesture, though polarizing to some, was deeply resonant to many. It wasn’t merely about trash talk; it was a cultural statement. Angel Reese became a lightning rod for discussions about double standards in sports, particularly the contrasting ways Black and white athletes are perceived when expressing emotion or confidence. She used the moment not to retreat, but to stand firm. In doing so, she sparked a nationwide conversation and refused to be diminished. It’s that very spirit of resistance and authenticity that TIME recognized—someone who forces institutions, fans, and media to reassess their lenses.
Reese’s influence doesn’t begin and end on the court. She is emblematic of the era of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights in college athletics, having secured multiple endorsement deals that collectively place her among the highest-earning collegiate athletes. She’s worked with major brands like Reebok, Amazon, Coach, and McDonald’s, and signed modeling deals with Sports Illustrated and other publications. Her brand appeal extends to arenas of fashion and lifestyle, seamlessly blending athletic excellence with social media savvy. The “Bayou Barbie” nickname she wears with pride encapsulates this fusion—gritty competitor on the court, glamorous trendsetter off it.
Yet, Reese isn’t content to bask in personal accolades. She frequently uses her platform to advocate for women’s sports, racial equity, and youth empowerment. She has spoken candidly about mental health, her upbringing, and the challenges she’s faced as a young Black woman navigating fame. What separates Reese is her insistence on being fully herself in every setting, and her unwillingness to tone herself down for the comfort of others. In an industry where female athletes—especially Black women—have long been expected to shrink themselves, she is expanding the possibilities of what womanhood, excellence, and influence can look like.
The impact she’s having is measurable. NCAA women’s basketball has seen a significant spike in viewership, media attention, and overall popularity, and Angel Reese’s rise is undeniably a key factor in this growth. Her social media following numbers in the millions, and her presence at events like the ESPYs, the Met Gala, and even the White House underscores how deeply embedded she has become in mainstream culture. Young girls across the country—particularly young Black girls—see themselves in her, not just in aspiration, but in actuality. She represents a visibility that’s long been lacking in collegiate sports and challenges the gatekeeping that has often stifled female athletic stardom.
Recognition by TIME 100 amplifies all of these facets. It sends a message that the sports world is not siloed—it intersects with society, culture, fashion, race, gender, and economics. By placing Reese on the same pedestal as global icons, TIME validates what so many already knew: Angel Reese is not just playing a game—she is changing it. Her journey is part of a broader story of female empowerment, of athletes refusing to be boxed in, and of a generation that demands to be seen and heard on their own terms.
And it’s important to note that Reese’s influence is still ascending. After declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft and being selected by the Chicago Sky, she immediately brought a massive fan base to the league. In the months that followed, ticket sales spiked, social media engagement surged, and viewership numbers climbed. She brought her flair, tenacity, and media magnetism to professional basketball, creating new storylines and generating buzz in every city she played. Much like how Caitlin Clark’s arrival injected excitement, Angel Reese’s transition to the pros solidified the WNBA’s momentum as a league experiencing generational change.
There is a symbolic torch that has been passed—one that began with legends like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tamika Catchings, and that now burns bright with Reese, Clark, Aliyah Boston, and others leading the charge. Reese’s spot on the TIME 100 list signals that this generation isn’t waiting for validation—they’re seizing it. They are businesswomen, cultural voices, and athletes rolled into one, and Reese has mastered the art of controlling her narrative. She’s not a product of the media; she’s her own media machine.
Of course, such a meteoric rise is not without its challenges. Reese has faced criticism, scrutiny, and unfair labels from both the media and public. But with each setback, she’s responded not with silence, but with strength. She’s called out double standards, refused to apologize for her confidence, and used her platform to uplift others. This resilience is as influential as her stats—proof that the game is about more than numbers; it’s about the message.
Even as she continues her rookie WNBA season, Reese shows no signs of slowing. She remains a dominant force on the glass, a leader in her locker room, and a lightning rod for fan engagement. Off the court, she continues building her brand, advocating for social justice, and showing up for communities that have long felt marginalized in sports conversations. Every post, every interview, every appearance is strategic, impactful, and authentic. She knows who she is and what she represents—and she’s not letting the moment define her. She is defining the moment.
In naming her one of the 100 most influential people in sports, TIME isn’t just honoring a player—they’re acknowledging a paradigm shift. Angel Reese is the embodiment of a sports culture that values expression, identity, and impact just as much as performance. She’s the prototype for what a 21st-century athlete can be: not only great at her craft but courageous in her stance, connected to her audience, and unyielding in her authenticity.
Angel Reese’s story is still being written, but the chapters so far have already transformed the narrative around female athletes. She has made it clear that influence isn’t just about followers or highlights—it’s about using your voice to shape the world around you. With this latest recognition by TIME, her voice now echoes far beyond the gym, the arena, or the internet. It resonates in boardrooms, classrooms, barbershops, and households, igniting conversations about what it means to lead, to challenge, and to win.
And so, the Bayou Barbie marches on—crowned not just as a basketball star, but as a beacon of modern influence, blazing a trail for the next generation to follow. She’s not asking for space—she’s taking it. And in doing so, she’s forever altered the landscape of sports and the power of one voice to move a culture forward.
