Angel Reese Brought Vibrance and Confidence to Her SI Swim Debut in Los Angeles

From a national championship win to her magazine feature, the athlete’s year was one for the books.

Martha Zaytoun | Dec 28, 2023

Angel Reese was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles.

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Among the many good things that LSU basketball player Angel Reese brought to the set of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue was her characteristic good energy and confidence. The athlete is in no way lacking trust in herself and her abilities, and the photos that she posed for in Los Angeles more than spoke to that.

It was a big year for the athlete, who helped lead her team to a national championship in the spring right before her powerhouse debut with the brand. The experiences are right in line with the steep rise in attention Reese has accumulated since the NCAA’s NIL policy went into effect in July of 2021.

When she set foot in front of photographer Yu Tsai’s lens in California, she was determined to send a message about her role on and off the court. According to Reese, basketball doesn’t have to dictate her personality and how she presents herself in any way.

“The biggest takeaway I want people to know is you can be girly off the court and still have swag,” she said on the set of her West Coast photoshoot. “Be who you are. I embrace my body and who I am, and on the court I can still ball.”

She more than proved she can do both in Los Angeles. Here are some of the incredible photos that show exactly why the Maryland native lives up to her Bayou Barbie nickname.

Angel Reese was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by AEXAE. Dress by House of Aama.

Angel Reese was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Top by Solo Studio. Swimsuit bottom by Miaou.

Angel Reese was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by Louisa Ballou. Earrings by Louis Abel.

Angel Reese was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by Asta Resort. Belly chain by Alizia.

Angel Reese was photographed by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles. Swimsuit by Indah. Necklace by Brinker + Eliza.

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Published Dec 28, 2023

MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2023, she worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Zaytoun loves to watercolor and oil paint, run and water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.