Angel Reese seems to be fitting in with the Chicago Sky really well. The rookie had a solid debut, during which she displayed some of the same intensity and passion she showed during college. When Reese was recently asked what keeps her motivated, she had a very simple answer: her mom.

Many things make Angel Reese who she is, including the city that raised her. But there’s something else that keeps her going. Her family plays a major role in pushing her to give basketball her all.

The Athletic’s Dorothy J. Gentry recently caught up with Angel to ask what drives her, and she didn’t hesitate to credit her mom first. Here’s what she shared with Gentry:

“I’m from Baltimore. My mom is a single mom…being able to raise two kids…I just graduated. My mom wouldn’t have been able to pay for college for me and my brother without me being able to get an athletic and academic scholarship. So, I’m blessed. ”

“My mom doesn’t have any student loans. My brother graduates in December. So, being able to walk away like that — that’s all I’ve ever wanted in life.”

“I’m from Baltimore…My mom is a single mom. Being able to raise two kids…I just graduated. My mom wouldn’t have been able to pay for college for me and my brother without athletic and academic scholarships….”

More from Angel Reese on her motivation in life. #wnba #WNBAtwitter pic.twitter.com/9BqMHx7c64

— Dorothy J. Gentry (@DorothyJGentry) May 16, 2024