Angel Reese has improved since working in fast food.
The WNBA player showed her 4.6 million Instagram followers her humble Smashburger origins in 2019. She was a star player for St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, MD, in high school. She was selected 2019 and 2020 Baltimore Sun Player of the Year by USA Basketball.
Rushing Off Smashburger Court Reese hustled off the field despite her athleticism. She worked at Smashburger before practice.
A humble start. Reese captioned her Instagram story: "I was broke clocking in and going to practice." IYKTYK: Smashburger Days. Some days I worked from 10 AM until 10 PM.”
NIL era Reese left Smashburger. After playing at Maryland, she played for Louisiana State University. Reese might utilize her brand when the NCAA's name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy took effect in July 2021. She was worth $1.8 million at her height.
Coach, Wingstop, McDonald's, and Raising Cane's were her college NILs. Despite pressure to stay in college to profit from NIL deals, Reese felt free to choose between college and pro. She knew her brand status would bring chances wherever she went.
“I've honestly learned that regardless I'm going to be able to make money, staying or going,” she told Just Women Sports.
Understanding that, my brand has been established on knowing I can achieve more than college. Deals will follow me if I leave or stay because of my brand.”