In a recent interview, Angel Reese, star forward for the Chicago Sky, revealed a surprisingly candid fear that has emerged since her intense rivalry with Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Reese, who became a national sensation after LSU’s victory, shared that she has developed a peculiar fear of visiting one specific place — a particular arena where she believes she will encounter Caitlin Clark’s passionate and sometimes “crazed” fans.

Reese, known for her unapologetic confidence and playstyle, admitted that while she thrives in high-pressure environments, there’s one place that makes her nervous: Iowa’s home court. She explained that, after the intense championship game and the media frenzy surrounding her on-court gestures and rivalry with Clark, the attention from Clark’s loyal fanbase has been overwhelming. Reese noted that she could already sense the tension surrounding her future visits to Iowa, where the fans’ reactions might be less than welcoming.

This admission comes after months of media attention, with fans on both sides of the rivalry creating a charged atmosphere. Clark, who also has her legion of supporters, has become a polarizing figure in the college basketball world. Reese’s comments reflect the fierce competitive spirit that defines college athletics, but also the intense fan loyalty that can sometimes cross the line into hostility.

Despite this, Reese made it clear that she isn’t backing down from the challenge. She understands the intensity of rivalry games and remains committed to competing at the highest level. Whether or not the fans’ behavior changes, Reese’s fear won’t keep her from embracing the competition and striving for future victories.

With these two incredible athletes at the forefront, college basketball’s women’s game has never been more exciting — or intense.

Angel Reese appears to make subtle Caitlin Clark dig after announcing Reebok shoe deal

Angel Reese appeared to take a shot at Caitlin Clark‘s Nike shoe deal after announcing her own agreement with Reebok on Thursday.

The Chicago Sky rookie’s first signature shoe set to be launched in 2026 and she joked on social media that the deal means she can now afford to pay her $8,000-a-month rent in Chicago.

But Reese seemingly couldn’t help but make a thinly-veiled dig at Caitlin Clark upon n her ‘Unapologetically Angel’ podcast, where she welcomed NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal – a strategic partner at Reebok – as a guest this week.

Discussing the deal, Reese made a point of saying she chose not to sign with Nike, who Clark has a $28million deal with.

‘It has been the best decision for me, being able to have my own control over everything,’ Reese said. ‘Of course, I could have easily gone to Nike and easily – I even look at other athletes on the women’s side and they sign with brands and they still don’t respect them.’

Angel Reese appeared to make a subtle dig on Caitlin Clark as she announced her Reebok deal

Reese told Shaquille O’Neal she could have signed with Nike (like Clark) but chose not to

Speaking earlier in October, Reese said that her $73,439 annual salary at Chicago Sky wasn’t enough to pay her rent and bills.

But she wrote on X on Thursday: ‘God is so good!!(looks like i can “afford” my bills now).’

The 22-year-old also has partnerships including the candy brand Reese’s Pieces, Topps, Beats by Dre and Goldman Sachs.

‘Hating pays my bills, baby. I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think that pays one of my bills,’ Reese said on Instagram earlier in October, before her Reebok deal. ‘Literally, I’m trying to think of my rent for where I stay at. I’m gonna do the math real quick. I don’t even know my salary.

‘Yo, I’m living beyond my means! No, my rent is more than that. It’s $8,000. I’m living beyond my means.’

Reese’s rookie WNBA season ended early due to a wrist issue that needed surgery.

Up to then, she and Clark had helped drive interest in the league to another level in their first seasons.

Their rivalry through college had captivated fans and it continued into the WNBA with multiple tense showdowns between Reese’s Sky team and Clark’s Indiana Fever.

Reese and Clark have helped drive interest in the WNBA to a new level in their first season

The rivalry between Reese and Clark captivated fans at college level and continued in WNBA

Sky failed to make the playoffs, however, while Clark’s Fever team eventually lost to Connecticut Sun.

Reese has signed up to play in the 3×3 Unrivaled tournament starting in January next year – her wrist issue should no longer be a problem by then.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Unrivaled are lining up a massive offer for Clark to convince her to join in the league early next year.