BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Former LSU women’s basketball stars Angel Reese and Hailey Van Lith made a big return to Baton Rouge on Friday, May 2, stepping back onto the court at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, this time as professional athletes.
Now teammates with the Chicago Sky, Reese and Van Lith suited up for a WNBA preseason matchup against the Brazilian National Team, drawing a packed crowd and support from fans who once cheered for them in purple and gold.
“So, Bella, my daughter, is a huge fan of Angel Reese. We don’t miss a game,” Emmett Burton said. “Just having this opportunity to bring her here is a huge privilege. We’re just so excited.”
The fanfare extended far beyond the arena, with many spectators traveling from across the state to catch a glimpse of the former Lady Tigers.
“We’re talking about Angel Reese,” Terrance Tolbert said. “She brought national attention and a championship to LSU women’s basketball.”
“I want to be just like [Haley Van Lith] when I grow up,” Abigail Hymel, a young fan said.
For supporters, the WNBA’s decision to host a game in Baton Rouge signaled something bigger. They believe it’s a testament to the growing popularity and staying power of women’s basketball.
“The hate [Angel Reese] gets makes me love her even more, because I know what she is, and I know who she is,” Aimee Simoneaux said. “She’s a great person and a wonderful player.”
Others agreed, pointing to Reese’s focus and drive as an inspiration.
“I love the way she puts her mind into the game,” Kimberly Louis said. “She’s very focused and driven. I’m glad she got her chance to make it to the WNBA. I’ve been watching her for a long time.”
“I look up to her and I want to be just like her when I’m older,” Lily Cradeur, a young fan added.
The crowd inside the PMAC resembled that of a major college game, with fans lining up early and packing the stands.
“We live in Thibodaux, so we’re about an hour south of here,” Matthew Hymel said. “When we drove up on campus, we saw the excitement and the amount of people an hour before the game, it’s like an SEC game. I wasn’t expecting this big of a crowd, but it’s packed.”
With the energy in the arena and the outpouring of support, many are hopeful this won’t be the last time the WNBA brings professional women’s basketball to the Capital City.
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