Overview

• Reese becomes the first athlete since Serena Williams to secure the BET Sportswoman of the Year honor three years in a row.
• The award’s voting process is not governed by a major sports body and prioritizes cultural impact and public presence over athletic metrics.
• Fans have questioned Reese’s selection by comparing her against rivals like Coco Gauff, who won the 2024 WTA Finals and reached a career-high No. 2 ranking, and Sha’Carri Richardson, who earned Olympic relay gold and 100m silver.
• In her rookie WNBA season, Reese set a league single-season rebound record with 446 boards, tied a double-double streak record, earned All-Star and All-Rookie nods and became the WNBA’s most-followed player on Instagram.
• Off the court, Reese has broadened her influence through the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which provides sports, educational and financial literacy programs for young girls.