The Atlanta Dream Forward Said the Personalized Barbie, Complete With Her Jersey and Pink Reebok Sneakers, Says Her Barbie Doll “Truly Feels Like Me”
Angel Reese is officially joining Barbie’s lineup of influential athletes with a new doll designed to celebrate her success in basketball, fashion and community advocacy.
Barbie unveiled the Angel Reese Barbie Signature Doll on Friday, July 24, ahead of WNBA All-Star Weekend. The collaboration also includes Barbie-themed Reebok Angel Reese 1 basketball shoes, with versions created for both the doll and fans.
The Atlanta Dream forward said seeing a Barbie created in her likeness was a “full-circle moment,” particularly because she became known as the “Bayou Barbie” while playing college basketball at LSU.
“It’s honestly a dream come true for me,” Reese told PEOPLE. “Barbie is an iconic brand, and to be part of that legacy is something I’m really proud of.”
Doll Blends Reese’s Basketball and Fashion Styles
The doll includes several details connected to Reese’s career, including her basketball jersey, leggings, headband and pink Reebok sneakers.
The jersey incorporates No. 5, which Reese wears for the Atlanta Dream, along with No. 10, the number she wore while playing for LSU and the Chicago Sky.
Reese said the design captures more than her physical appearance.
“What I love most is that it doesn’t just look like me — it truly feels like me,” Reese said. “My doll reflects both my love of basketball and fashion because I’ve always believed you never have to choose between being fierce on the court and expressing who you are off it.”
Reese has built a public image that combines professional basketball with fashion, business partnerships and philanthropy. The collaboration also features a Barbie-inspired colorway of her signature Reebok Angel Reese 1 shoe.
Reese Hopes Doll Inspires Young Black Girls
Barbie said Reese was selected not only because of her accomplishments on the court, but also because of her work through the Angel C. Reese Foundation.
The foundation works to increase opportunities for girls and underserved communities in sports, education and financial literacy.
Reese said representation was one of the most important parts of the project.
“I hope young girls — especially young Black girls — look at this doll and know they belong in every room, every arena, every conversation they want to be part of,” she said. “I want them to know they never have to shrink themselves to succeed.”
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Reese said she grew up playing with Barbie dolls and was inspired by the brand’s longstanding message that girls can pursue different careers and interests.
She hopes the doll encourages children to embrace every part of themselves rather than feeling pressured to follow only one path.
“You don’t have to stay in one lane,” Reese said. “You can chase all of your passions, work hard, and stay true to yourself.”
Reese Continues Expanding Her Influence
Reese said winning the 2023 national championship with LSU remains one of the proudest moments of her basketball career.
Away from the court, she said she is proud of using her platform to support young girls, build businesses and establish partnerships with companies including Mattel and Reebok.
“Off the court, I’m proud of building something that’s bigger than basketball,” Reese said. “I’m grateful to be able to use my platform to show that you can embrace every side of who you are and make an impact beyond the game.”
Reese said her immediate basketball focus is helping the Atlanta Dream compete for a WNBA championship.
“There’s still so much more I want to accomplish,” she said. “I’m just getting started.”
