When the news broke that Angel Reese had earned a spot on the U.S. Women's National Team for the upcoming FIBA Women's World Cup, fans expected excitement. What they got was a masterclass in humility and grace.
Reese, the 24-year-old forward for the Atlanta Dream, took to social media on Thursday to share her feelings about representing her country on the international stage. Her message was simple, heartfelt, and impossible to ignore.
"So thankful to represent USA and compete alongside my Rhy for a gold medal. Such an honor, and I'm beyond grateful for this opportunity. Let's go!! 🥇♥️," she posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The "Rhy" she refers to is her Dream teammate Rhyne Howard, who also made the 12-player roster. Together, they make history as the first pair of Atlanta Dream players ever selected to the same U.S. squad for a 5-on-5 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
The Dream organization couldn't contain its pride. "Rhyne and Angel have been selected to represent the United States on the 2026 USA Basketball Women's National Team! They now enter the history books as the first Dream duo in franchise history to represent the country together at a 5-on-5 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Congratulations, Rhyne and Angel!" the team announced.
USA Basketball unveiled the full roster Thursday morning, and it's a who's who of women's hoops: Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, and Jackie Young. The squad will head to Berlin for the tournament, which runs Sept. 4-13, with the WNBA taking a break from Aug. 31 through Sept. 16.
National team managing director Sue Bird, a basketball legend in her own right, expressed her excitement about the group. "I'm so excited to announce the 2026 USA Basketball Women's National Team," Bird said in a statement. "This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can't wait to see what this team accomplishes together."
Reese's reaction stands out not just for its enthusiasm but for its class. In a sports world often dominated by controversy, her sincere gratitude is refreshing. She's not just happy for herself; she's thrilled to share the moment with Howard and proud to wear the red, white, and blue. It's a reminder that for all the drama that can surround the game, the opportunity to represent one's country is still the ultimate honor.
Fans have already started to rally behind Reese, and her pregame fashion has been a topic of conversation, but this moment is about something deeper. It's about teamwork, patriotism, and the joy of reaching the pinnacle of one's sport.
As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on this star-studded U.S. squad. With Reese's energy and Howard's sharpshooting, the Dream duo could be a key to another gold medal for the United States. And if their reactions are any indication, they'll enjoy every second of it.
