Angel Reese wrapped up her collegiate basketball journey in a truly astounding manner.

Even though it didn’t culminate in another NCAA championship, LSU’s hopes were dashed by Caitlin Clark’s historic display despite Reese’s stellar performance of 17 points and 20 rebounds in the Elite Eight.

However, the conclusion of Reese’s college career remained extraordinary. As her journey drew to a close, it became apparent how pivotal her role had been in a defining moment in basketball history. It seems increasingly plausible that, in 40 years, when reflecting on the moment women’s college basketball ascended to one of the most beloved sports in the nation, Reese stood at its very heart.

Certainly, Clark shines as the star of the hour, possibly even entering discussions as the greatest player of all time. Nonetheless, two of her most captivating games happened to be against LSU, where she needed a worthy adversary. Reese not only fulfilled that role but exceeded expectations.

Before delving deeper, it’s essential to recognize Reese’s own greatness. Concluding her collegiate tenure as a three-time All-American, NCAA champion, and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Reese boasted double-doubles in 10 consecutive NCAA Tournament games. Her NCAA single-season record for the most double-doubles is unparalleled. Her basketball credentials are undeniable.

Nevertheless, a significant portion of the country seemed eager for her downfall during the NCAA Tournament. This desire likely contributed to the record television ratings of the Iowa game. Strangely, this adds another remarkable layer to her legacy; she became the first truly polarizing national figure in women’s college basketball history, underscoring her profound relevance.

But why did so many relish her potential demise?

There’s no definitive answer to this question. My speculative theory, albeit unscientific, suggests a combination of obvious factors like racism—both blatant and subtle—and perhaps more mundane reasons such as people’s admiration for Clark, viewing Reese as a rival to the beloved figure.

However, another theory persists. I can’t shake the feeling that some of the negative attention towards Reese stems from frustration at the attention she commands. Many who criticized Reese also dismiss women’s basketball, denying its widespread interest and disparaging its coverage by major networks. Some have even thrown around the term “woke” without understanding its meaning.

I genuinely believe that a portion of the animosity towards Reese stems from frustration at being compelled to engage with women’s basketball. While Clark’s prowess alone might have garnered casual admiration, Reese’s skill and charisma forced discussions, demanding an audience and opinions. Suddenly, women’s basketball became more than just a game; it became a topic requiring attention.

For many of us, this has been thrilling. Witnessing a golden moment in a sport filled with vibrant, captivating stars has been a joy. But for some, it’s unsettling. They’ve grown accustomed to their beliefs remaining unchallenged, comfortable pretending the sport doesn’t exist. Angel Reese disrupted that comfort, and they didn’t appreciate it.

I’m grateful for Reese’s impact and eagerly anticipate the influence she, Clark, and the next generation of stars will have on the WNBA.