In a defining moment that underscores her rising legacy, Angel Reese has once again been crowned BET Sportswoman of the Year, earning the prestigious honor for the third straight year at Sunday night’s 2025 BET Awards. At just 23 years old, the Chicago Sky forward is cementing her place not just in sports history, but in the cultural zeitgeist.
A Historic Three-Peat for a Modern Icon Since first capturing national attention in 2023 as the driving force behind LSU’s NCAA championship run, Angel Reese, affectionately known as the “Bayou Barbie” has evolved from collegiate standout to a full-blown cultural force. Her third consecutive BET award win makes her the first athlete to achieve the title three times in a row, a distinction that places her alongside legendary company in both sports and entertainment.
“I’m doing this for every Black girl who was told to shrink herself,” Reese told the audience in a brief but powerful speech. “I’m here to show them you can be bold, beautiful, and dominant.”
What sets Reese apart isn’t just her stats — though her early numbers as a rookie for the Chicago Sky are impressive, with league-leading rebounding averages and multiple double-doubles already under her belt. It’s also her unapologetic self-branding, her outspoken presence on social media, and her efforts to amplify conversations around gender equity in sports.
Her impact is measurable. Since joining the WNBA in April, Reese has helped boost ticket sales, drive up game-day attendance, and spike viewership metrics across multiple platforms. She’s not just playing the game — she’s changing how it’s seen.
Reese claimed the 2025 award in a highly competitive category that included:
- A’ja Wilson, reigning WNBA MVP
- Simone Biles, Olympic gymnastics legend
- Coco Gauff, Grand Slam-winning tennis prodigy
- Sha’Carri Richardson, world champion sprinter
- Claressa Shields, undisputed boxing champion
- Dawn Staley, celebrated NCAA coach and former Olympian
- Flau’jae Johnson and Juju Watkins, two of the most exciting young names in college basketball
Each nominee brought excellence and cultural impact to the table, but it was Reese’s combination of on-court dominance and off-court presence that resonated most with voters and fans.
The recognition of Reese and her continued elevation in platforms like BET speaks to a broader cultural shift. Black women athletes are no longer just celebrated for their performance. They’re celebrated for their influence, voice, and leadership.
BET’s decision to honor Reese three years in a row suggests an intentional effort to reflect the growing demand for representation and visibility in women’s sports, particularly among Gen Z audiences.
With the WNBA season in full swing and a possible Olympic appearance on the horizon, Reese’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. She’s already landed major endorsement deals, built a media brand around authenticity, and even hinted at future ventures in fashion and philanthropy.
As she told reporters backstage at the awards: “This isn’t just about winning trophies. It’s about opening doors.”
Angel Reese’s third BET Sportswoman of the Year win is more than a personal achievement; it’s a milestone in a new era of women’s sports. One where talent, confidence, and culture intersect, and where athletes like Reese are leading the charge.
Social media erupted following Reese’s win, with hashtags like #AngelReese, #BETAwards2025, and #BayouBarbie trending within minutes. Public figures from Michelle Obama to Cardi B congratulated her online, celebrating what many called a “win for every Black girl with a dream.”
This victory at the BET Awards cements Reese as more than an athlete — she’s a movement. One that blends sports, style, social justice, and self-worth into a compelling new era of representation.
