The Chicago Sky star’s off-court battles are starting to show and fans are starting to take notice

Angel Reese’s puffy eyes reflect recent struggles after facing adversity in her WNBA careerAP

At just 23, Angel Reeseis carrying more weight than most athletes twice her age. As a rising star in the WNBA and a social media powerhouse, her presence is impossible to ignore. From viral highlights to packed arenas, she’s become one of the fresh faces of a new generation in women’s basketball. But behind the flashy moments and the signature confidence, the toll of the spotlight is beginning to show-quite literally.

While the talk often focuses on her persona or on-court style, there’s been little open conversation about the mental health side of all this fame. Teammate Ariel Atkins pointed out that Reese is still learning how to deal with the enormous expectations placed on her. And though Angel never publicly addressed it, those close to her world have started sounding the alarm: the pressure may be reaching a breaking point. Her visibly puffy eyes ahead of a recent game have sparked concern among fans and reporters, hinting at deeper battles Reese may be facing as she navigates the growing pressures of her career.

The weight of the moment is real

Reese’s media exposure is relentless. Millions follow her every post, and every arena she steps into turns into an event. But when the game ends, the lights don’t go off for Angel. Edits, memes, online hate, and constant critique are now part of her daily routine. Even with a solid stat line-averaging 10.1 points and a league-leading 12.1 rebounds per game-the narrative around her season seems to focus more on the drama than the dominance. The team’s 2-6 record hasn’t helped either. Chicago is struggling, and in today’s click-driven world, that means someone has to take the blame.

Her momentum from her rookie year feels like it’s slowing down. The energy that once made her must-watch television has shifted into scrutiny. Critics are louder. Supporters like Cardi B and Cameron Brink have pushed back, reminding the world that most of the noise is just that-noise. Still, it’s clear that it’s getting harder to ignore.

Eyes on the court, eyes on the future

Reese’s loyalty to her coach Tyler Marsh hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s stood by him amid growing pressure, echoing his stance that accountability starts on the floor. But fans are beginning to wonder what’s next.

Could changes be coming? Is Angel at risk of losing minutes if things don’t turn around? While no one has said it out loud, the vibes say it all: the Sky’s struggles could soon lead to some hard choices.

A necessary conversation

Mental health in women’s sports has become an increasingly urgent conversation, as more female athletes open up about the psychological toll of elite competition, media scrutiny, and social media pressure. For athletes like Angel Reese, who juggle being both a performer and a public figure, the emotional demands can rival the physical ones.

In Reese’s case, the constant online criticism, meme culture, and the expectation to be both tough and marketable create a pressure cooker. Though teammates like Ariel Atkins have stepped in to call for more empathy, there’s still a long road ahead before the mental well-being of women in sports is treated with the same urgency as their physical performance.