Angel Reese Stands Tall Despite Racism Investigation and Winless Start to WNBA Season: “God Has a Plan”

In a season that has already tested her patience, talent, and mental fortitude, Angel Reese is choosing grace and faith over frustration. As her team continues to struggle, and controversy swirls around her every move, the 22-year-old Chicago Sky rookie is refusing to fold under pressure. Instead, she’s standing tall, embracing the storm with the calm of someone who knows she was born for the spotlight—even when that spotlight burns.

Earlier this month, the WNBA launched an investigation into serious allegations of racist fan behavior directed at Reese during a road game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The game, already marked by high tension due to the presence of Caitlin Clark—Reese’s longtime collegiate rival—took a sharp turn after a flagrant-1 foul was assessed to Clark following a physical confrontation between the two rising stars. The heated moment reignited their storied rivalry from college, but it also became the backdrop for something far uglier.

Reese, visibly emotional after the game, shared that she felt targeted not just on the court, but off it. Social media was quick to amplify claims that racial slurs were hurled in her direction from fans in the Indiana crowd. The league responded promptly, promising to look into the allegations with urgency and transparency.

Now, weeks later, the WNBA has announced that it cannot substantiate the claims of racism during that May matchup in Indianapolis. After a thorough investigation—including video and audio review, as well as interviews with fans, arena security, and team officials—the league says no clear evidence of racist language was found.

Angel Reese (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Still, the very act of investigation speaks volumes. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement emphasizing the league’s commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all players, fans, and staff. “We take every allegation of hate seriously,” she said. “While we did not uncover definitive proof in this instance, we remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our players from any form of discrimination.”

Chicago Sky CEO and president Adam Fox echoed that sentiment, saying, “We appreciate the quick action by the league and the Indiana Fever to take this matter seriously and to investigate. This process demonstrates the league’s strong stance on stopping hate at all WNBA games and events, and we will continue to support those efforts.”

For Angel Reese, however, the lack of validation doesn’t mean the pain was imagined. As a Black woman in professional sports, she’s no stranger to hostility—especially when she’s bold, unapologetic, and passionate on the court. Whether it’s coded language, online hate, or confrontations with opposing fans, the backlash she receives often feels disproportionate to her actions.

But she’s not letting any of it derail her.

Late last night, Reese took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted a short but telling message: “God has a plan. Day by day.”

It was a reminder to her millions of fans that her journey is bigger than basketball, bigger than any one game, and certainly bigger than the opinions of those who wish to tear her down.

And yet, it’s impossible to ignore the struggles she and the Chicago Sky have faced to start this season. Tuesday night’s game against the Phoenix Mercury only added to their woes. Despite a valiant effort, Chicago dropped to 0-4 after a 94-89 loss—extending their worst start in years and raising more questions about the direction of the franchise under new head coach Tyler Marsh.

Angel Reese put up impressive numbers: 13 points and 15 rebounds, a double-double that would typically signal dominance. But in a cruel twist, her performances have not translated into wins. In fact, the Sky have been thoroughly outplayed in three of their four outings. Only the Connecticut Sun, who are also winless, share their spot at the bottom of the WNBA standings.

There are glimpses of potential—moments where it seems like the Sky could turn the tide. Reese has been aggressive on the boards, vocal in the huddle, and physically fearless. Fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso, who was recently added back to the rotation after an early-season absence, shows flashes of being a powerful interior presence. But chemistry remains elusive, execution is inconsistent, and turnovers are piling up.

It’s clear that this young Sky team is still trying to find its identity—and Reese, as its emotional engine, is bearing much of the burden.

Angel Reese (Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images)

Her critics are already out in full force, quick to question her leadership, her composure, and even her fitness for the professional stage. But those who have followed her journey—from her early days at Maryland to her national championship-winning run at LSU—know that adversity only sharpens her.

What Reese is experiencing now isn’t failure—it’s a crucible. It’s the kind of high-pressure environment where legends are either broken or forged. And she seems determined to come out stronger on the other side.

The stakes are high for more than just personal pride. The WNBA, riding a wave of increased viewership and media attention thanks in part to high-profile rookies like Reese and Clark, knows that these early-season narratives matter. The league is under a microscope like never before, and the intense scrutiny on rising stars like Reese reflects the broader conversation around race, gender, and media portrayal in women’s sports.

Angel Reese isn’t just playing basketball. She’s navigating a minefield of cultural expectations, racial politics, and generational change—all while trying to lead a struggling team to its first win.

And through it all, she continues to show poise. After the Phoenix game, she didn’t dodge the cameras or deflect blame. She praised her teammates, acknowledged their shortcomings, and emphasized the importance of staying together. “It’s not just about one player,” she said. “It’s about all of us buying in, learning each other, and grinding it out. We’re gonna get there.”

That kind of maturity—especially from a 22-year-old rookie—is rare. It’s the kind of attitude that separates temporary stars from long-term icons. And whether or not the wins come soon, it’s clear that Reese is building something much bigger than a stat line.

For the Chicago Sky, the season is far from over. There are more than 30 games left to be played, and every team in the WNBA knows that momentum can shift in an instant. A single win could change the tone, restore confidence, and ignite a run.

But even if it takes longer, even if the pain drags on and the spotlight grows hotter, Angel Reese is ready.

With the eyes of the world watching, she’s not backing down. She’s not shrinking. She’s not changing to appease the critics. Instead, she’s holding firm to her faith, her roots, and her voice.

“God has a plan,” she said. And in moments like this, when the game gets ugly, when the noise gets loud, and when the wins are nowhere to be found—that belief may be her most powerful weapon of all.