“She Never Folds”: Ariel Atkins Praises Angel Reese’s Relentless Drive Amid Mounting Scrutiny

As cameras flash, tweets fly, and critics grow louder, Angel Reese keeps doing the one thing she knows best: showing up and working hard.

The WNBA rookie may be just a few weeks into her pro career with the Chicago Sky, but the noise around her never stops. Whether it’s media backlash, social media frenzy, or public pressure following her BET Award win, Reese remains locked in. And now, one of the league’s respected veterans is stepping forward to recognize what’s happening behind the scenes.

Ariel Atkins, star guard for the Washington Mystics, isn’t holding back her admiration:

“What I see in Angel is someone who refuses to break. She puts in the work every day, even when the world wants to tear her down. That takes heart.”

🛡 Under Fire, But Unshaken

The past month has been intense for Angel Reese. Her outspoken personality, confidence, and bold fashion choices have drawn both admiration and criticism. Add that to her BET Sportswoman of the Year win—a move that sparked controversy after boxing champ Claressa Shields publicly questioned the choice—and you’ve got a full-blown media storm.

Yet through it all, Reese remains unapologetically herself.

“She doesn’t shrink herself for anyone,” Atkins continued. “And in this league, where the criticism can be harsh and unfair, that kind of mental toughness matters just as much as any stat line.”

🏀 Beyond the Stats: What Reese Brings to the League

Angel Reese’s impact can’t be measured by box scores alone. Sure, she’s grabbing rebounds, diving for loose balls, and building chemistry with her Chicago teammates. But what she’s really bringing to the WNBA is visibility, energy, and a whole new wave of fan engagement.

“She has that ‘it’ factor,” Atkins said. “She brings attention to the game. She makes people care. That’s not easy to do—and she’s doing it while still learning and growing as a player.”

💬 Grit Behind the Glamour

Despite the glamorous photoshoots and the award show red carpets, teammates and insiders say Angel Reese is all about the grind.

“She’s in early. She stays late. She’s always asking questions, always studying film,” one Chicago Sky assistant coach shared anonymously. “People think she’s just a personality. They have no idea how hard she works.”

Ariel Atkins echoed that sentiment:

“Angel puts in the hours. She shows up on the tough days. That kind of dedication—that’s what earns respect in this league.”

❤️ The Bigger Picture: Representation and Resilience

For Reese, this season is about more than just rookie stats or awards. It’s about proving that young Black women can thrive in the spotlight without compromising who they are. It’s about showing that being bold, emotional, and unapologetic is not a weakness—but a strength.

“She’s not afraid to be visible. She’s not afraid to speak up. That’s what makes her powerful,” Atkins said.

👏 The League Is Watching

While the critics remain loud, support within the WNBA is growing stronger. Players like Atkins are setting the tone, encouraging the culture of sisterhood over silence, and lifting up those who dare to stand tall.

“We’ve got her back,” Atkins said. “Because we know what it feels like to be under that microscope. Angel’s not alone in this.”

And with every rebound, every post-game interview, and every defiant smile, Reese is proving one thing:
She’s not here to survive the pressure—she’s here to rise through it.