Sky’s Angel Reyes becomes WNBA single-season rebounding record holder

Chicago rookie Angel Reyes broke the WNBA single-season rebounding record on Sunday, also notching her 24th career rebound in the Sky’s 79-74 loss to Minnesota.

Reese then said she wasn’t even aware of the record, which was previously held by another former LSU star, retired center Sylvia Fowles. Reese ended her career at LSU earlier this year; Fowles played for the Tigers from 2004 to 2008, then spent 15 seasons in the WNBA with Chicago and Minnesota. Fowles is the WNBA’s all-time record holder with 4,006 in 408 regular-season games.

Reese entered Sunday’s game in Minneapolis needing six rebounds to surpass Fowles’ 404. That was set when Fowles was with the Lynx in 2018, when the WNBA regular season was 34 games. Reese finished with 19 rebounds Sunday, moving her total to 418 through 32 games. The WNBA went to a 40-game regular season last year.

“When I came in (to the WNBA), I knew what I was capable of,” Reese said. “I knew I could always grab offensive and defensive rebounds. I knew that would translate right away.”

“A lot of people think it’s because I’m not shooting, but statistically, it’s not. People think it’s because I’m the tallest on the court, when I’m not. It’s about being able to get down there and do things that a lot of people don’t want to do. Defense and rebounding wins us championships. I’ve won championships at every level just by doing that.”

Reese, who was selected seventh overall in the 2024 draft, also scored 17 points. She already set WNBA rookie season records for rebounds and double-doubles. She now holds the overall season rebound record and is five points away from breaking the all-time double-double record. Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas set the record for double-doubles with 28 points last season.

However, the Sky lost their sixth straight game and fell to 11-21 as they continue to battle for a playoff spot. Chicago has one win and seven losses since the WNBA resumed after the Olympics break.

“It’s obviously very tough, this is the biggest loss I’ve ever had in my life, so just being able to stay mentally positive through this game is the bright spot,” Reese said. “We’re still in the playoffs, and I’m just looking forward to the next game, there are ways to improve and learn from this game.”