Angel Reese in Bathing Suit Has "Game Day"

Current NCAA champion Angel Reese recently celebrated her 21st birthday. She also recently modeled for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Their Instagram account shared a photo from Reese’s shoot this week. They captioned the post, “Despite her quick rise to fame, Angel has continued to stay unapologetically herself and allowed her confidence to always shine through, which is why we applaud her for the inspiration she has become both on and off the court.” How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Angel Reese stays in shape and the photos that prove they work—and to get beach-ready yourself, don't miss these essential 30 Best-Ever Celebrity Bathing Suit Photos!

1. She’s Comfortable With Herself

Angel Reese/Instagram

Reese is all about being comfortable with herself. She talked about this to SI Swim. “I didn't think I was going to be comfortable,” she says about the shoot. “But [everyone] made me feel really comfortable. I work out a lot. I embrace my body and who I am and every mark on my body.”

2. She Speaks Out

Angel Reese/Instagram

After receiving criticism during a game, Reese was open about the double standards she faces as a black woman. "It's just being able to force people to accept that women can talk trash,” she told SI Swim. “The women's side gets penalized for it or we're considered as not being ladylike and that we're not playing by the rules. We work just as hard as the men. Women can be who we are; women can be competitive."

3. She’s Grateful

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Reese received a lot of support after her NCAA win. She told SI Swim that she is extremely grateful for all of it. "Having so many people come back to me and say, 'You guys have changed the game. You guys have been a part of history,' I embraced that. Just being able to be a part of this has just been amazing for me this year, and it's been a blessing."

4. She’s Unapologetic

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Reese is all about being unapologetic. She opened up about this in a post-game press conference. “All year, I was critiqued about who I was. I don’t fit in a box that y’all want me to be in. I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto. But when other people do it, y’all say nothing. So this was for the girls that look like me, that’s going to speak up on what they believe in. It’s unapologetically you.”

5. She Plays Basketball

Angel Reese/Instagram

Being a basketball player is naturally how Reese keeps herself in shape. Better Health states, “Basketball involves a lot of starting and stopping. While not renowned as an aerobic sport, it is still a great workout that can help you: Burn calories (an hour of basketball can burn 630–750 calories). Build endurance. Improve balance and coordination. Develop concentration and self-discipline. Build up muscle.”