Angel Reese is gearing up for the 2026 WNBA season. The Chicago Sky forward spent most of the offseason getting into shape and recovering from a nagging back injury that kept her sidelined for 14 games last season. But she has also remained active in her off-court ventures and recently revealed what career path she would have chosen if basketball hadn’t worked out for her.
Angel Reese Reveals Her Second Love Besides Basketball
Reese will be playing her third WNBA season this year. The Randallstown, Maryland, native was drafted seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Since her arrival in the league, she has stood out for her elite rebounding, excellent perimeter defense, and explosive mobility. She holds the record for being the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds.
Her college accolades include leading LSU to its first NCAA title, earning 2024 Player of the Year honors, and more. So, it’s safe to assume basketball is what she is built for, and she is exceptional at it. But what if basketball hadn’t gone her way? Reese has answered that question herself.
According to Women’s Health Magazine, Reese revealed that if she wasn’t a baller, she would have become a chef. To further emphasize her love for cooking, the two-time WNBA All-Star announced plans to pursue her interest in culinary arts.
“I am actually going to start culinary school soon,” Reese said.
Her statement shows that she genuinely enjoys cooking and has real plans to pursue that passion. However, the hardwood floor is where she seems most comfortable, skillfully outmaneuvering opponents and rewriting the record books.
She led the league in rebounding last season, averaging 12.6 rebounds per game. Reese also set a record with 11 consecutive double-doubles and became the second-youngest player in WNBA history to record a triple-double.
However, injuries limited her availability to 30 games in her sophomore season, including a stretch where she missed six straight games late in the 2025 campaign.
That’s why the 23-year-old dedicated her offseason to getting in shape and returning strong for her third WNBA season. She opted not to play in the second season of the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league, choosing instead to give her body the necessary rest to heal and recover from her back injury.
Last season was disappointing for Reese’s team, as the Chicago Sky finished at the bottom of the league with a 10–34 record.
The two-time WNBA rebound leader will return with renewed energy this season, hoping to help turn things around. The Sky will open their 2026 WNBA season against the expansion team, Portland Fire, on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
