Atlanta didn't just welcome Angel Reese on Sunday—they roared for her. The Dream's home opener turned into a celebration of the third-year forward, who arrived via a blockbuster trade from the Chicago Sky earlier this offseason.
Reese, already a two-time All-Star, made her first appearance in front of the home faithful after playing a couple of road games to start the season. The crowd wasted no time showing their appreciation. As she was announced as a starter, the arena erupted in a standing ovation that made it crystal clear: Atlanta is all in on their new star.
“It feels like deja vu right now,” Reese said, reflecting on the transition. The Maryland native knows a thing or two about big changes. After transferring from the University of Maryland to LSU for her final two collegiate seasons, she led the Tigers to a national championship. Now, she's drawing on that experience to navigate her move to Atlanta.
“I get chills right now because being a part of Chicago my first two years and going to Atlanta, I just feel that urge right now that I’m going to win again,” she added.
Reese's confidence isn't just about talent—it's about resilience. She spoke candidly about the challenges of stepping into unfamiliar territory. “It’s not easy to go be by yourself in the dark and those lonely nights and those long nights thinking by yourself. Social media has it out there to be one way. But at the end of the day, you gotta sit with yourself and tell yourself what you want in life and continue to put yourself in spaces and rooms feel super uncomfortable.”
Her message to fans and fellow athletes alike was simple but powerful: “Take those scary steps, even if the person next to you might not believe in you. Know that I believe in you and continue to push through.”
Reese's arrival in Atlanta has already generated plenty of buzz, from her showstopping pregame outfit to her on-court intensity. The Dream faced the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday in a game broadcast live on Peacock, but the real story was the connection between Reese and the city.
“Having that within me and just being able to do that—it’s not easy,” she said. “Because you’re not always going to be comfortable and you shouldn’t feel comfortable.”
For Reese, the move to Atlanta is more than a fresh start—it's a chance to build something special. And if the home opener is any indication, the Dream fans are ready to follow her every step of the way.
