LSU Tigers star Angel Reese got personal on Monday after her team was eliminated from the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, sharing she has been attacked “so many times” over the past year.
The Tigers lost to Iowa 94-87 in the Elite Eight while attempting to defend their 2023 title. The matchup against the Hawkeyes was one of the most anticipated games of the year.
After the game, Reese spoke with reporters about what could have been her final college game ever, sharing that after winning the 2023 NCAA title, she’s “been through so much.”
“I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times. Death threats. I’ve been sexualized,” she said through tears. “I’ve been threatened.”
Reese, who collected 20 rebounds and scored 17 points on Monday night, went on to say that she is “still human” and deserves respect.
“I’ve been so many things and I’ve stood strong every single time. I just try to stand strong for my teammates because I don’t want them to see me down and not be there for them,” she said.
Despite the hardship, Reese said she “wouldn’t change anything” about her time at LSU, even though she hasn’t been happy since winning last year’s title.
Reese, who had a turbulent year, remarked about her struggles during this last season, saying, “I don’t really get to stand up for myself.”
“I have great teammates. I have a great support system. I’ve got my hometown. I’ve got my family that stands up for me,” Reese said. “I don’t really get to speak out on things just because I try to ignore and I just try to stand strong … I would still sit here and say, ‘I’m unapologetically me.’ I’m going to always leave that mark and be who I am and stand on that.”