Angel Reese wins historic WNBA honor, but who delivers the trophy brings her to tears
A trophy, flowers and a few words from her mom give Reese an emotional moment in a season already filled with milestones
Angel Reese has won World Cup gold and helped Atlanta reach the WNBA semifinals. But when her mother arrives with flowers and the Defensive Player of the Year trophy, another career milestone becomes something much more personal. Sitting among her Dream teammates, Reese covers her face and wipes away tears as the room applauds.
“We are so proud of you. We love you,” her mother tells her. There is no need for a long speech. The words, the flowers and her presence give Reese a moment to enjoy what she has accomplished with someone who knows her beyond basketball.
A mother’s pride makes the award more personal
Reese’s first response is gratitude. “Thank you guys. I really appreciate it,” she says, before adding, “I’m so grateful for you guys.” The celebration surrounds her with the people who have been part of her first season in Atlanta. Her mother delivers the award, and her teammates make sure she feels the recognition.
The WNBA named Reese its 2026 Defensive Player of the Year on October 1. She received 46 of 74 votes, becoming the first Atlanta Dream player to win the honor . In her third professional season, she led the league with 12.1 rebounds per game and finished third in steals at 1.8 per game. She also set single-season records with 521 rebounds and 32 double-doubles.
Yet Reese has been quick to share the credit. In the Dream’s announcement, she said she wanted Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard to sign the trophy because she believed they deserved recognition alongside her. She thanked Atlanta, her teammates, coaches and supporting staff, then offered a simple thought about what comes next: “This is just the beginning.”
At 24, Reese already has achievements that once belonged to her future ambitions. Born on May 6, 2002, she is still early in her professional career. September added a world championship when she represented the United States at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Team USA defeated France 97-79 in the final.
Her success also extends beyond the court. The Reebok Angel Reese 1, her first signature basketball shoe, launched in September 2025. The line gives her another way to express her style while placing her name on footwear designed for players. It is another milestone in a career that includes both sporting achievement and a growing personal brand.
There is still more basketball ahead. Atlanta beat the Washington Mystics 93-75 on September 30 to complete a 2-0 first-round sweep. The victory sent the Dream into the semifinals for the first time since 2018, giving Reese another reason to celebrate before receiving her individual award.
The next opponent is already set: Atlanta will host the New York Liberty when their semifinal series begins on October 4. The trophy recognizes what Reese has done during the regular season, but her team still has a championship to pursue.
