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Michelle Obama Praises Angel Reese After Atlanta Dream Trade

4/23/2026

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Summary

Obama Praises Reese

On April 22 2026, former First Lady Michelle Obama praised Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese on her “I’m On a Mission” podcast.
Obama said Reese “handles changes” and urged listeners not to criticize the “special person.”
Reese had been traded from Chicago Sky to Atlanta Dream days earlier for future first-round draft picks.
She averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists, earned All-Star honors and led the league in rebounding.

Summary

Reese Traded

Reese was traded to Atlanta on April 6 for first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts.
Vandersloot signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract with Chicago for the 2026 offseason.
After tearing her ACL on June 7, 2025, Vandersloot will miss the May 9 season opener.
Beyond rehab, Vandersloot helps shape the Sky’s roster decisions and mentors younger players during training camp.

History

Historical Context

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was founded on April 24, 1996, as the women's counterpart to the NBA, with its inaugural season starting on June 21, 1997. Initially comprising eight teams, including the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks, the league has expanded significantly, reflecting the growing recognition of women's sports and empowering female athletes, as seen with stars like Angel Reese.

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Obama Praises Reese

On April 22 2026, former First Lady Michelle Obama praised Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese on her “I’m On a Mission” podcast.
Obama said Reese “handles changes” and urged listeners not to criticize the “special person.”
Reese had been traded from Chicago Sky to Atlanta Dream days earlier for future first-round draft picks.
She averaged 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists, earned All-Star honors and led the league in rebounding.

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