ESPN's Holly Rowe Sacrifices for Rising Star Angel Reese

Veteran reporter sleeps on airport floors to cover LSU basketball phenom's journey to WNBA and beyond

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and intensity of a basketball player in action, conceptually representing the drive and determination of rising star Angel Reese.ESPN reporter Holly Rowe's instincts and perseverance helped propel LSU star Angel Reese to national stardom and beyond.Atlanta Today

ESPN reporter Holly Rowe spotted exceptional talent in LSU basketball player Angel Reese years ago, and went to great lengths - including sleeping on airport floors - to cover Reese's rise to stardom. Reese's success on the court and in business ventures like podcasting, modeling, and acting has vindicated Rowe's instincts, showcasing the power of perseverance and recognition of deserving talent.

Why it matters

This story highlights the important role journalists can play in bringing attention to exceptional athletes and talents who might otherwise go unnoticed. Rowe's dedication to Reese's story demonstrates the lengths reporters will go to uncover and amplify deserving stories, even if it means personal sacrifices.

The details

Three years ago, veteran ESPN reporter Holly Rowe spotted something special in then-junior Angel Reese of the LSU women's basketball team. Determined to showcase Reese's talent, which was receiving little national attention at the time, Rowe embarked on a mission - flying to Utah for an NBA game, taking a red-eye flight, and then sleeping on the floor of the Atlanta airport just to catch an early flight to interview Reese.

  • Three years ago, Rowe first spotted Reese's talent while she was a junior at LSU.
  • Three months after Rowe's feature on Reese, the LSU Tigers won the women's championship in 2023.
  • Reese is now entering her third WNBA season with the Atlanta Dream in 2026.

The players

Holly Rowe

A veteran ESPN reporter who recognized Angel Reese's exceptional basketball talent early on and went to great lengths to cover her story.

Angel Reese

A rising star in women's basketball who played for LSU and is now in her third season with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Reese has also found success off the court in business ventures like podcasting, modeling, and acting.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith and sleep on an airport floor to make your mark.”

— Holly Rowe, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

As Reese enters her third WNBA season with the Atlanta Dream, her journey continues to inspire. Her off-court success in business and entertainment ventures will likely continue to grow, further showcasing her versatility and influence beyond just basketball.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of instinct and perseverance in journalism. Rowe's dedication to uncovering and amplifying Reese's exceptional talent, even through personal sacrifices, demonstrates the important role reporters can play in bringing deserved recognition to rising stars.