“Beating Caitlin Clark Changed My Life Forever”: Angel Reese Breaks Her Silence on the 2023 National Championship Game and Its Aftermath

In a candid, emotionally charged interview that has captivated sports fans across the country, LSU basketball star Angel Reese has finally broken her silence about the moment that changed her life — the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship game.

In that unforgettable clash, Reese’s LSU Tigers triumphed over Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes, a matchup that not only rewrote women’s basketball history but also launched Reese into a whirlwind of fame, scrutiny, and self-discovery.

More than two years have passed since that iconic victory, but the echoes of that night continue to reverberate. Now, Angel Reese is ready to talk.

A Defining Victory: LSU vs. Iowa

The 2023 NCAA Championship was more than just a basketball game — it was a cultural moment. LSU, led by the gritty and confident Angel Reese, faced off against Iowa’s dynamic and sharp-shooting Caitlin Clark.

Both players were at the peak of their powers, and the build-up to the game had all the ingredients of a media frenzy.

“It was intense,” Reese recalls. “People had their eyes on Caitlin — rightfully so, she’s a phenomenal player.

But we came to win. And I knew we were going to make history.”

Reese delivered a dominant performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while adding a now-iconic taunt toward Clark — mimicking John Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” gesture.

The move sparked viral debates, igniting social media and drawing headlines around the world.

“When I did that, I knew people were going to react,” Reese said. “But I wasn’t trying to disrespect anyone.

I was speaking up for girls who look like me — who often get labeled ‘too loud’ or ‘too confident.’ That moment was about us.”

The Aftermath: Fame, Criticism, and the Double Standard

The backlash was swift and intense. While many praised Reese for her competitive fire, others accused her of poor sportsmanship.

The narrative quickly turned into a national debate about race, gender, and the double standards that female athletes, especially Black women, often face.

“I’ll be honest — I wasn’t ready for it,” Reese admits. “The hate, the comments, the media twisting things… it was overwhelming.

I was just 20 years old. One day I was a student-athlete, and the next I was on every news channel.”

Despite the criticism, Reese stood her ground. She received support from a variety of public figures, including First Lady Jill Biden, NBA stars, and celebrities like Cardi B and Shaquille O’Neal.

“When Cardi tweeted about me, I screamed,” Reese laughs. “I felt seen. It was like, okay, people get it. Not everyone’s trying to tear me down.”

But even amid the support, the pressure weighed heavily.

“There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed,” she says. “I questioned if it was all worth it — the attention, the criticism. But then I remembered the little girls watching me. I had to keep going for them.”

NIL Deals and the Rise of the “Bayou Barbie”

In the wake of her championship win, Angel Reese became one of the most marketable college athletes in history.

Dubbed the “Bayou Barbie,” she leaned into her identity unapologetically, combining athletic excellence with bold fashion and confidence.

From partnerships with Coach and Amazon to Sports Illustrated swimsuit features and high-profile interviews, Reese’s star skyrocketed.

“I went from having just enough to get by to making more than some WNBA players,” she says. “That’s the power of the platform. And I want to use it the right way.”

Reese also became a voice for the broader movement for equity in women’s sports — calling for better pay, visibility, and respect.

“I love the WNBA, but we’ve got work to do,” she says. “Women’s sports deserve better. Period.”

The Caitlin Clark Rivalry: Mutual Respect Beneath the Headlines

Much has been made about the Reese-Clark rivalry, and many assumed there was bad blood between the two players. But Angel Reese is quick to shut that down.

“Caitlin is a baller. I’ve always said that,” Reese explains. “We’re competitors, and in that moment, we were going at it. But there’s no hate. In fact, I respect the hell out of her.”

The two have crossed paths multiple times since that game, including Team USA training camps and various award shows. Reese insists their relationship is built on mutual respect.

“People wanted to pit us against each other — like it was some WWE storyline.

But it’s deeper than that,” Reese adds. “We’re both trying to push the game forward. Just in different ways.”

Life After LSU: Growth, Purpose, and Power

Following the 2023-2024 season, Reese declared for the WNBA Draft.

While her college career ended without a second championship, she left LSU as one of the most impactful players in program history.

Now projected as a top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, she’s ready for the next chapter — and reflecting on how far she’s come.

“That championship changed everything,” Reese says. “It gave me a platform, it tested my character, and it showed me who I really am.

I found my voice — and I’m never giving it back.”

Reese has used her newfound influence to launch a foundation focused on mental health resources for student-athletes and young women of color. She’s also writing a memoir and working on a documentary detailing her journey.

“People know the headlines, but they don’t know the whole story,” she says. “I want to tell it my way.”

Public Reaction: From Villain to Hero

Over time, public perception of Angel Reese has shifted. Once labeled a “villain,” she’s now viewed by many as a trailblazer — someone who challenged the status quo and brought a new kind of energy to women’s basketball.

“Angel Reese changed the game,” said ESPN analyst LaChina Robinson. “She made it okay to be bold, to be confident, and to be yourself — unapologetically.”

Fans agree. Social media is now flooded with young girls emulating Reese’s style, wearing her jersey, and sharing motivational quotes.

“She’s our Serena [Williams] of basketball,” one fan tweeted. “Not afraid to be powerful and feminine.”

The Future: A WNBA Star in the Making

With her eyes now set on the WNBA, Reese is preparing for another major transition. While some question how her style will translate to the professional league, she’s not worried.

“I’ve always been doubted,” she says. “But I keep proving people wrong. I’m ready.”

She’s already working with trainers and mentors to improve her game and strengthen her brand.

“I want to be one of the greatest — not just in stats, but in impact,” Reese declares. “I want to leave the game better than I found it.”

A Legacy Born in Victory

Looking back, Angel Reese sees that April night in 2023 as more than just a win. It was a spark. A shift. The moment she realized her power — and began to embrace it.

“Beating Caitlin Clark changed my life forever,” she says again, with a tear in her eye.

“Not because of the trophy, but because it woke something up in me. I saw who I was meant to be. And now, I’m going to keep walking in that purpose — for me, for my family, and for every girl watching.”