‘It’s Not Easy’: Angel Reese Shares Honest Insight on Van Lith’s Struggles and Spotlight
In a revealing and heartfelt moment that peeled back the curtain on life behind the spotlight, Angel Reese, one of the most recognizable faces in women’s college basketball, spoke candidly this week about the immense pressure faced by fellow star Hailey Van Lith—and why it’s time for fans and critics alike to understand the weight that comes with greatness.
Reese, known not only for her dominant play on the court but also for her authenticity and voice off of it, opened up during a recent interview about the mental and emotional challenges that come with being constantly in the public eye—especially for high-profile athletes like Van Lith.
“People see the highlights, the headlines, the NIL deals,” Reese said. “But they don’t see the nights you cry, the pressure you feel to be perfect, the criticism that never stops. And for someone like Hailey—who’s been in the spotlight since day one—it’s not easy.”
A Bond Built on Experience
Reese and Van Lith, who both transferred to LSU last season in a headline-grabbing move, have shared not just a locker room but a unique journey as two of the most talked-about athletes in college basketball. That experience, Reese says, has given her a front-row seat to the highs and lows Van Lith endures daily.
“Hailey works harder than anyone I’ve seen,” Reese continued. “She’s in the gym early, she watches film, she puts pressure on herself because she wants to win and make everyone around her better. But when things don’t go right, the criticism hits her first. That’s not fair.”
Living Under the Microscope
Van Lith, a former Louisville standout and McDonald’s All-American, has long carried the weight of expectation—from leading high school teams to national prominence, to becoming the face of major brands in the NIL era. Her competitive fire and outspoken leadership style have won her both admiration and scrutiny, especially in the age of social media where every moment is dissected.
Reese emphasized that while public praise is constant when things go well, the same platforms can become overwhelming when performance dips or the team struggles.
“The thing is, Hailey holds herself to a standard even higher than the fans do,” Reese said. “So when she gets criticized or doubted, it’s like people forget she’s human. She’s not just a highlight reel—she’s a person.”
A Bigger Conversation About Mental Health
Reese’s comments come at a time when more athletes—especially women in high-profile sports—are speaking up about the pressures of visibility, expectation, and mental wellness. From Simone Biles to Naomi Osaka, the conversation around athlete mental health has become more open, and Reese’s honest take adds to that growing chorus.
“We’re not just basketball players,” Reese said. “We’re daughters, we’re friends, we’re students. And we’re doing it all under a microscope that doesn’t always allow us to have bad days.”
Support Over Scrutiny
Reese concluded her remarks with a powerful message—not just to fans, but to everyone watching the sport grow:
“Instead of tearing players down when they struggle, how about lifting them up? These are young women doing incredible things. We should celebrate that—and give them room to grow.”
As LSU continues to push through the postseason with their eyes on another deep tournament run, the connection between Reese and Van Lith remains strong—rooted not just in basketball, but in a shared understanding of what it truly means to carry the spotlight.
And thanks to voices like Reese’s, that spotlight is slowly becoming a little easier to bear.
