Angel Reese announces first Atlanta community event after blockbuster Dream trade

Angel Reese is making an impact in Atlanta that stretches well beyond the basketball court. The three-time WNBA All-Star joined the Dream in a blockbuster offseason trade after spending her first two professional seasons with the Chicago Sky. Reese has quickly emerged as a central piece of Atlanta’s playoff push, averaging a double-double while helping the franchise climb above .500.

Now, Reese is finding another way to connect with her new city. The 24-year-old announced that the Angel C. Reese Foundation will host its first event in Atlanta, providing essential school supplies and an afternoon of entertainment for 1,000 local students.

Reese celebrated the milestone Monday with a message that made her excitement about giving back to her new community perfectly clear.

Angel Reese brings foundation’s back-to-school event to Atlanta

The Angel C. Reese Foundation announced that it will kick off the upcoming school year by supporting 1,000 students in first through eighth grade. Each student attending the event will receive a clear backpack filled with school supplies. Food, music, games and giveaways will also be available.

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“BACK TO SCHOOL IN THE A,” Reese wrote while sharing the announcement, adding a crown emoji.

The event will be the foundation’s first in Atlanta, giving it added meaning after Reese’s high-profile move to the Dream.

Reese established the Angel C. Reese Foundation in 2023 with a mission centered on empowering girls and women through sports, education and financial literacy. Its previous community initiatives have included back-to-school events, holiday giveaways and other programs designed to support young people.

Bringing that work to Atlanta allows Reese to begin building a relationship with the city away from the attention generated by her performances on the court.

The event also represents an important first for Reese following a major change in her WNBA career.

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Angel Reese flourishing after trade to Atlanta Dream

The Dream acquired Reese from the Sky on April 6 in exchange for future draft capital, ending her two-year run in Chicago. Reese has rewarded Atlanta’s investment by averaging 15.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 steals through 25 appearances. The two-time WNBA rebounding leader has also earned her third consecutive All-Star selection.

Atlanta entered the final stretch of July with a 16-10 record, good for sixth place in the league standings. Reese’s work on the glass and defensive versatility have helped the Dream establish themselves as a legitimate playoff threat. Her first season in Atlanta has not been completely free of adversity.

Reese suffered a left leg injury during the Dream’s 93-91 victory over her former Sky team on July 19. Her knee appeared to buckle as she attempted a layup, forcing her to leave after playing only nine minutes. Despite the concerning scene, Reese recovered in time to participate in the WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago. Her appearance offered reassurance that the injury was not expected to become a long-term setback.

Reese and the Dream are scheduled to return to action Wednesday against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. Atlanta will be looking to build momentum as the race for postseason positioning intensifies.

Basketball will remain the most visible part of Reese’s introduction to Atlanta, but her latest announcement demonstrates that she wants her influence to reach much further. By supplying 1,000 students with backpacks and classroom essentials, Reese is showing that she intends to invest in her new home as much as the Dream invested in her.

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