Angel Reese, now a celebrated WNBA player, recently shared a poignant reminder of her humble beginnings with her 4.6 million Instagram followers.
In a throwback post, she reflected on her 2019 days working at Smashburger while balancing the demands of high school basketball.
Reese’s rise from flipping burgers to becoming a professional athlete is a testament to her relentless hustle and determination.
At the time, she was excelling on the court as a standout for St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, earning accolades like the Baltimore Sun Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
Off the court, Reese was working long shifts at Smashburger, often clocking in from 10 AM to 10 PM before heading to basketball practice.
From Smashburger to NIL Stardom
Reese’s fast-food hustle ended when she began her collegiate basketball career, first at the University of Maryland and later at Louisiana State University (LSU).
In 2021, the NCAA’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy allowed her to capitalize on her brand, ultimately reaching a peak NIL valuation of $1.8 million.
During her time in college, Reese secured endorsement deals with major brands, including Coach, Wingstop, McDonald’s, and Raising Cane’s.
She proved her ability to navigate the NIL era, confident that her brand would thrive whether she stayed in college or went pro.
A Rising Star in the WNBA
In 2024, Reese declared for the WNBA draft and was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky. Her four-year contract is valued at $324,383, but the bulk of her earnings stem from endorsements with companies like General Mills, Amazon, CoverGirl, and Reebok. Notably, Reese’s partnership with Reebok will culminate in the release of her signature shoe in 2026.
While estimates place Reese’s net worth at $2 million, she recently clarified that those figures are “way off.” Still, she has amassed enough wealth to retire her mother and support her family financially, turning her success into a shared legacy.
“It’s not just a luxury for me. It’s a luxury for everybody around me,” Reese told Complex’s Speedy Morman.
From Humble Beginnings to Empowering Legacy
Angel Reese’s journey from Smashburger employee to professional athlete and entrepreneur is a story of resilience and vision.
Her success serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and self-belief, humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.
