Recent WNBA draft pick Angel Reese has called for protections for “young women” in sports, an apparent reference to the ongoing debate over the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s athletics.
Reese, formerly of LSU and currently a member of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, posted an emphatic statement to X on Monday morning.
“Protect young women in sports!!!”
Protect young women in sports!
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 22, 2024
Reese did not specifically say that her post was about men who identify as women infiltrating women’s sports. However, her post came days after the Biden administration expanded the definition of sex to include gender identity under Title IX.
Another possibility is that Reese was talking about the sexualization of female athletes. Here’s what she talked about after LSU was eliminated from the Elite 8.
“Death threats, sexualization, intimidation…I’m still a human being. This happened to me after I won the national championship and I said the other day that I haven’t been happy since then,” Reese said.
Whatever her intentions, her posts went viral and were mostly well-received.
Fuck. I have become a fan of Angel Reese. https://t.co/7lD8TC0oQK
— Kid Dynamite (@Kidynamite22) April 22, 2024
Even though it should be common sense, it takes a lot of courage for someone in the same position to say something like this. I got a supporter today! No matter how intense the pressure is, keep at it.
— Michael Holder (@mholder06) April 22, 2024
It’s unfortunate that you have to say this, but nevertheless, Angel, you are spot on.
Good luck to you and your WNBA career!
— Coach Russo (@MrRussoHealth) April 22, 2024
This is the method🇺🇸
— Mayra Flores Vallejo (@MayraFloresTX34) April 22, 2024
It’s insane that I even have to say this.
— Sea Delicious (@iii_ronto) April 22, 2024
The number of fans has increased!
Our young female athletes need role models to push them.— Kim Shasby Jones (@KimJonesICONS) April 22, 2024
thank you!
— Conservative Mama (@conmomma) April 22, 2024
Even if Rees meant to protect women’s sports from trans athletes and sexism, it’s still a worthy cause.
Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky takes a selfie during the 2024 WNBA Draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 14, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. (Melanie Fiddler/NBAE via Getty Images)
It’s also good for Angel!
