Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese may have jumped around colleges during her four years of NCAA eligibility, but she has admitted there was one team that always had her heart

Angel Reese has revealed her childhood dream was to play for Notre Dame, which was influenced massively by basketball legend Skylar Diggins-Smith.

Although the Chicago Sky star started her collegiate journey at Maryland and later transferred to LSU in 2022, her admiration for the Fighting Irish was unwavering from a young age.

While speaking on her ‘Unapologetically Angel’ podcast, Reese said that she was inspired by Diggins-Smith’s outstanding career at the institution.

During her time at Notre Dame, the Seattle Storm point guard propelled the team to unprecedented success, including three Final Four appearances and two shots at the NCAA championship.

Diggins-Smith left the college with a lot of respect, securing her legacy as the all-time leader in points and steals and runner-up in assists.

The six-time WNBA All-Star guest-starred on Reese’s podcast last month, prompting the 22-year-old to confess her earlier aspirations.

“I remember watching you when I was younger, like at Notre Dame,” Reese expressed. “I always wanted to go to Notre Dame because of you.”

Despite the turn of events, Reese soared to become an NCAA champion with LSU, battling against superstar Caitlin Clark and emerging victorious as her Tigers trounced Clark’s Iowa in the championship finale.

Notre Dame Skylar Diggins (4) in action vs UConn at Conseco Fieldhouse. Indianapolis, IN 4/3/2011.
Skylar Diggins-Smith in action for Notre Dame back in 2011 ( 
Image:
Bill Frakes /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Despite their fierce rivalry on the court, Clark dismissed rumors of a personal feud between her and Reese.

Many speculated that the feud was ignited when Reese gestured towards her ring finger in front of the Indiana Fever star just before LSU clinched the national championship.

Speaking to TIME about her history with Reese, Clark said: “I don’t get that at all. We’re not best friends, by any means, but we’re very respectful of one another.

Yes, we have had tremendous battles. But when have I ever guarded her? And when has she guarded me?”

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 16: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever reacts after being fouled by Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been seen as rivals ever since college ( 
Image:
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
She further downplayed the incident, saying: “I didn’t think it was taunting. It really didn’t bother me. It’s just like, ‘why don’t you talk about them winning? Or the incredible run that we went on that nobody would have thought we would have ever gone on?’

“The only thing people cared about was this controversy that was really fabricated and made up, and then that has continued to be the case ever since.”