Chicago Sky Head Coach Tyler Marsh Supports Angel Reese’s Met Gala Absence: “A Great Opportunity”

In a recent interview, Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh spoke candidly about Angel Reese missing a practice on May 5 to attend the 2025 Met Gala in New York City, an event that is both a symbol of high-fashion glamour and an unparalleled opportunity for athletes and celebrities to elevate their personal brands. Despite Reese’s absence from the team’s practice, Marsh expressed full support for her decision, emphasizing the importance of supporting players’ off-court endeavors.

Reese’s Met Gala Attendance: A Growing Influence Beyond the Court

The start of May is always a busy time for Angel Reese, especially with the Chicago Sky’s 2025 WNBA preseason schedule kicking off. On May 2, the Sky triumphed over the Brazilian National Team with a decisive 89-62 victory, where Reese posted an impressive 15 points and 10 rebounds in just 17 minutes. The next preseason game on May 6 also marks Reese’s 23rd birthday, yet Reese’s notable absence on May 5 wasn’t due to basketball but rather a personal engagement: the prestigious Met Gala.

Reese’s attendance at the Met Gala isn’t just about attending a high-profile event; it’s a major moment for the young star to continue building her personal brand. As one of the most recognizable athletes in the WNBA, Reese’s presence at such an event only reinforces her influence beyond the court. This marks the second consecutive year that Reese has missed a team practice to attend the Met Gala, signaling just how pivotal these types of experiences have become for athletes looking to expand their visibility and marketability.

Tyler Marsh’s Support: Embracing Opportunities Beyond Basketball

Tyler Marsh, who is in his first year as the head coach of the Chicago Sky, took a supportive stance when addressing Reese’s absence. “She puts in a ton of work during the season and in the offseason, extra work,” Marsh said, referencing Reese’s dedication to her craft and preparation for the season. He also noted that Reese had communicated her plans to attend the Met Gala to her teammates in advance.

“We’re in support of everyone on and off the court,” Marsh continued. “It’s a great experience, a great opportunity for her, and we’re in support of it.” Marsh’s comments reflect a broader understanding of the multifaceted lives of athletes today—athletes who are not only competing at the highest level in their sport but also becoming global icons with significant influence in other industries, from fashion to entertainment.

Highlighting Personalities and Growing the League

Marsh further elaborated on the significance of supporting athletes’ involvement in high-profile events, regardless of which team they represent. “Any time that we can showcase and highlight the personalities of the players of our league, no matter what team they’re from, I think it’s a good thing for the league,” Marsh said. “So we want to continue to increase the popularity on and off the court.”

His statement reveals a shift in the WNBA’s approach to its athletes—understanding that fostering personal growth and public exposure for players outside of basketball benefits both the players and the league. It’s not just about what happens on the court, but about building well-rounded, marketable figures who can connect with fans in different ways. This, in turn, helps elevate the visibility and status of women’s basketball, especially as stars like Reese break into new cultural spaces.

A Symbol of Progress for the WNBA

Angel Reese’s presence at the Met Gala serves as a representation of how far women’s sports have come in terms of visibility, recognition, and opportunities for athletes to diversify their careers. Reese’s rising influence, both on the court and in the public eye, is part of a broader movement in sports where athletes are encouraged to be more than just players. They are individuals with stories, personalities, and aspirations that extend beyond their athletic achievements.

For Reese, attending the Met Gala isn’t just about fashion—it’s a testament to her growing stature as a public figure who can balance the demands of professional sports while simultaneously pursuing personal and professional goals outside of basketball. In this case, it’s an opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the entertainment and fashion industries, further solidifying her place in the cultural spotlight.

The Bigger Picture: Empowering Athletes as Leaders

While Reese’s Met Gala attendance may seem like a glamorous diversion from basketball, it’s indicative of a larger trend where athletes are no longer confined to their roles as performers. They are multifaceted individuals, leaders, and trendsetters who can leverage their platforms to influence and inspire in diverse ways. For Marsh and the Chicago Sky, supporting Reese’s journey toward becoming a global brand only helps to elevate the WNBA’s overall profile.

As Reese continues to gain recognition not just as a basketball star but as a cultural icon, her achievements will undoubtedly open doors for other players in the WNBA and beyond. The support from Marsh and the Sky organization for her attendance at the Met Gala reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of empowering athletes to be the best versions of themselves—both on and off the court.

Conclusion: More Than Basketball

The decision to attend the Met Gala and take time away from practice reflects a larger understanding of the modern athlete’s role in society. As Angel Reese continues to break barriers in both her sport and personal life, her journey is helping reshape the narrative surrounding women’s sports, showing that an athlete’s influence goes far beyond just what happens during the game.

Caitlin Clark, and now Angel Reese, represent the future of women’s sports—where athletes are empowered to not only perform at the highest level but also make significant contributions to society in other areas, whether through fashion, media, or community engagement. By supporting her choices and empowering her to embrace these opportunities, the Chicago Sky and coach Tyler Marsh are contributing to a more inclusive and holistic view of what it means to be a professional athlete.