'I Used to Dread It': Angel Reese Opens Up About the Tough Love That Shaped Her Career
Angel Reese has never been one to hold back, but her recent revelation about her time under the guidance of legendary coach Kim Mulkey offers a rare glimpse into the challenges behind her unapologetic persona. In a candid episode of her podcast, Reese, alongside basketball coach Teresa Weatherspoon, delved into the transformative, yet often grueling, experience of playing for Mulkey at LSU. But here's where it gets controversial: while Mulkey’s relentless coaching style is celebrated for producing champions, Reese admits she once privately resented it.
Reese and Weatherspoon, both veterans of Mulkey’s demanding approach, agreed that no one pushed them harder. Weatherspoon recalled a telling moment when Mulkey joined them on the court, declaring, ‘I’m going to show you all why I’m Kim Mulkey.’ Despite their initial confidence, Mulkey’s intensity and skill left them in awe. ‘She’s tough. She’s relentless. She coaches with the same energy she played with,’ Weatherspoon noted, highlighting Mulkey’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
And this is the part most people miss: For Reese, Mulkey’s high standards weren’t always easy to embrace. ‘She used to get on me bad, and I used to hate it in the moment,’ Reese confessed. ‘I didn’t understand why she was always on me like that.’ Yet, it didn’t take long for Reese to recognize the value of Mulkey’s tough love. ‘When I got to the league, I realized it was all about setting a standard,’ she explained. ‘No slacking, no excuses—just being ready to give it your all.’
Under Mulkey’s mentorship, Reese became a national champion and a household name in women’s basketball. In just two seasons at LSU, she led the Tigers to the 2023 NCAA title and achieved historic milestones, including 34 double-doubles in a single season. But here’s the bold truth: This isn’t the first time Reese has admitted to disliking Mulkey’s methods. ‘At the moment, I hated it,’ she said in a 2025 interview. ‘I dreaded it. But looking back, I’m thankful. It didn’t make sense then, but now it all does.’
As Reese continues to dominate the WNBA, she also reflects on another pivotal coach in her life: Teresa Weatherspoon. Drafted as the seventh overall pick by the Chicago Sky in 2024, Reese quickly became a force on the court, earning All-Star honors and setting a WNBA record for rebounding average. However, her team’s struggles led to Weatherspoon’s abrupt firing, a decision Reese called ‘unfortunate.’ ‘You came into my life for the right reason and the right season,’ Reese told Weatherspoon. ‘I’m forever grateful.’
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Is tough love in coaching always justified, or does it risk alienating players in the moment? While Reese now appreciates Mulkey’s approach, her initial resentment raises important questions about the balance between discipline and empathy in mentorship. What’s your take? Do you think Mulkey’s methods were necessary, or could they have been less harsh? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
