Angel Reese won World Cup gold and helped Atlanta advance to the WNBA semifinals. But another phase of his career turns into something more personal, when his mother arrives with flowers and a Defensive Player of the Year trophy. Seated among Arzu’s teammates, Reese covers her face and wipes away tears as the room cheers.
“We’re proud of you. We love you,” her mother tells her. No need to talk at length. The words, the flowers, and her presence give Reese a moment to enjoy what they’ve accomplished with someone who knows him outside of basketball.
Angel Reese wipes away tears as her mother surprises her with flowers and a WNBA trophy
Mom’s pride makes the award even more personal
Reese’s first response is gratitude. “Thank you guys. I really appreciate it,” he says, before adding, “I’m so grateful for you.” The celebration surrounds him with people who were a part of his first season in Atlanta. His mother presents the award and his teammates make sure he feels the recognition.
The WNBA named Reese the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year on October 1. He became the first Atlanta Dream player to earn the honor, receiving 46 of the 74 votes. In his third pro season, he led the league with 12.1 rebounds per game and tied for third with 1.8 steals per game. He also set single-season records with 521 rebounds and 32 double-doubles.
However, Reese was quick to share the credit. In announcing the dream, he said he wanted Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard to sign the trophy because he believed they deserved to be recognized alongside him. He thanked Atlanta, his teammates, coaches and support staff, then offered a simple insight into what’s to come: “This is just the beginning.”
At 24, Reese has the accomplishments that once belonged to his future ambitions. Born on May 6, 2002, he is still early in his professional career. She added a world championship in September when she represented the United States at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. The USA team defeated France 97-79 in the final.
His success also extends beyond the court. The Reebok Angel Reese 1, the first signature basketball shoe, was released in September 2025. The line gives him another way to express his style and puts his name on footwear designed for players. It’s another milestone in a career that combines both sporting achievements and a growing personal brand.
There is still more basketball to come. Atlanta defeated the Washington Mystics 93-75 on September 30 to go 2-0 in the first round. The win sent the Dream into the semifinals for the first time since 2018 and gave Reese another reason to celebrate before picking up his individual award.
The next opponent has already been decided: Atlanta will host the New York Liberty when the semifinal series begins on October 4. The trophy recognizes what Reese did in the regular season, but his team still has a championship to play for.