Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark have become synonymous with the rise of women’s college basketball, frequently mentioned together as two of the sport’s biggest stars. Their paths have intertwined for years, most notably during the 2023 NCAA Championship game where Reese, playing for LSU, famously mimicked Clark’s “you can’t see me” celebration in the final moments, igniting a media frenzy. Since that showdown, the perceived rivalry between the two has been a central theme in women’s basketball discussions, with fans and analysts alike pitting them against each other.
Now, both athletes lead their respective WNBA teams Reese with the Chicago Sky and Clark with the Indiana Fever two franchises based in close proximity to each other. The narrative surrounding their rivalry has continued to evolve, with Reese recently reflecting on the nature of their competitive relationship during an appearance at a Complex Conversations event. When asked whether the rivalry was as real as the media portrayal, Reese offered a candid perspective.
“I think it’s just competition; it’s been competition since college,” Reese explained. “I’ve been playing against Caitlin since we were probably in eighth or ninth grade. We both were really competitive in AAU. I went to Maryland, she went to Iowa, so we competed there, and then finally being able to compete in the national championship. People don’t know the legacy of us being able to play against each other for a really long time.”
Reese provided context to the rivalry, explaining how their history of competition stretches back well before the NCAA spotlight. From their early days in AAU basketball to their college careers, the two have been familiar opponents for over a decade. This long-standing competition, however, has only been amplified by social media, which has helped fuel the rivalry in ways both positive and negative.
“Obviously, social media is going to put two women against each other,” Reese admitted.
“I think it’s been something that’s negative, but also positive. I think it shines a light on women’s basketball, so I’ll take that of being able to be the person that gets the hate, but I know that at the end of the day, I’m growing women’s basketball and helping women’s basketball.”
Reese’s ability to take the spotlight, both the positive and negative, has made her a polarizing figure in the world of women’s sports. While social media has provided a platform for the rivalry, it has also introduced a level of toxicity that Reese has had to manage. She noted that people sometimes forget athletes are human beings, emphasizing that the rivalry is ultimately about basketball and not personal animosity.
“Social media can be a scary place,” Reese acknowledged. “Especially when it comes to the discourse surrounding me and Caitlin. I think it’s more about fans in general; they don’t always realize that we’re human too. At the end of the day, it’s just basketball.”
When it comes to her relationship with Clark, Reese was quick to clarify that there is no lingering animosity between them. “I don’t have any hard feelings toward her, and she doesn’t have any hard feelings toward me,” Reese stated. “But yeah, it gets crazy sometimes.” Her comments suggest that, despite the media hype, the rivalry is mostly competitive in nature and has been blown out of proportion by outside forces.
In a way, the rivalry between Reese and Clark has become a symbol of the growing interest in women’s basketball, with their fierce competition helping elevate the sport. While social media can sometimes distort the nature of their interactions, it also draws attention to the talent and dedication of both players.
As Reese and Clark continue to lead their WNBA teams, the conversation around their rivalry remains a significant part of the broader narrative in women’s basketball. The duo’s impact goes far beyond the court, as they both represent the increasing visibility and respect for women’s sports, with their personal stories of competition, growth, and mutual respect playing a crucial role in this evolution.
Reese’s full interview, where she discusses more about her career and her perspective on women’s sports, can be seen on the 360 with Speedy platform.
