Angel Reese evaluates balance of NIL opportunity, mental health

LSU women’s basketball reached the pinnacle on Sunday afternoon, cutting down the nets and lifting the national championship trophy in front of a packed house in Dallas, Texas. However, the storyline since has permeated social media with debates of race, gender and other biases.

Angel Reese was thrust even further into the spotlight than she ever was before. Taking her Bayou Barbie brand to the national and international stage brought on overwhelming support – including a spike in NIL value which now sits at $876,000 – but also led to backlash from the other side.

During an interview with Brandon Marshall and Ashley Nicole Moss on the I AM ATHLETE podcast, Reese explained the pros and cons of becoming one of the most influential college athletes in the NIL era.

“I need a break,” said Reese. “But I understand I have a brand. In the space I’m in right now, NIL is where it is. That could dictate how long I stay in college right now. And just being able to know I have to protect my brand. Everything I post right now is – they watch – it’s a magnifying glass of everything I do. So yes, I try to take a break as much as I can, but I’ve still got to get this money.”

Reese was open about the fact NIL deals could keep her in college longer, since she believes the money will put her above many WNBA Draft picks on rookie deals. But it also comes with a cost.

Angel Reese on NIL, mental health

Part of building an NIL empire requires a large social media presence. However, that opens the door for fans and rivals alike to directly reply with their thoughts and feelings on every aspect of your life.

Angel Reese has found various ways to keep herself locked in during the season, including strict boundaries on when she will make social media posts, along with a specialist who helps handle her business transactions.

Off the court, it can become much more difficult. As Reese enters the offseason with more time on her hands and significantly more people trying to lift her up and tear her down, the Bayou Barbie revealed what she hopes to lean on most.

 “It’s never perfect, for sure,” said Reese. “I see negative things, but I don’t read them. I don’t go looking or searching. I think the biggest thing for me within this past year was – this is my first time getting close to God – praying every day, devotions every day. I have somebody on staff that I pray with before every game. This offseason I’m going to be going to church more.

“And another thing, writing things down. Writing my thoughts down, even if you feel like you don’t want to say it right then and there, have it right there. I think that has helped me a lot. … Some days I just look and I think, ‘you’ve been through worse, you’re fine.’”