Tigers With Influence: Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese Earn Spots on Complex’s Most Influential Female Athletes List

In a year marked by fierce competition, cultural transformation, and a growing spotlight on women in sports, two electrifying athletes who proudly donned the colors of the LSU Tigers have emerged as transcendent figures in the athletic world and beyond. Track sensation Sha’Carri Richardson and basketball phenom Angel Reese have officially been named to Complex’s Most Influential Female Athletes List—a powerful testament to their incredible impact on and off the field of play.

For both Sha’Carri and Angel, this recognition is more than an individual accolade. It’s a victory lap for the LSU Tigers community, a celebration of athletic excellence, and a signal to the world that female athletes—particularly Black women in sports—are no longer just competing; they’re leading the charge, setting the tone, and commanding the cultural narrative.

The Baton Rouge Connection: A Shared Legacy

Though they compete in different sports, Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese share more than LSU as an alma mater. They embody a fire, charisma, and confidence that has captivated fans around the globe. Their paths to stardom were paved by resilience, authenticity, and a refusal to conform to outdated expectations of how female athletes—especially Black women—should look, speak, and celebrate themselves.

From the track to the hardwood, both have demonstrated a type of influence that extends beyond performance metrics. They’re style icons, unapologetic role models, brand powerhouses, and vocal leaders in the conversation surrounding equity, representation, and empowerment in sports.

Let’s break down their journeys, what this latest recognition means, and how they’re reshaping the landscape of modern athletics.

Sha’Carri Richardson: Rewriting the Rules of Track Stardom

Sha’Carri Richardson, with her unmistakable speed, fiery hair colors, and fierce persona, has become one of the most recognizable faces in track and field today. From the moment she burst onto the scene with her electrifying NCAA title in 2019, it was clear she was different. Sha’Carri wasn’t just running for medals—she was running with a message.

Speed Meets Swagger

A product of Dallas, Texas, Richardson turned pro after a record-shattering freshman season at LSU, where she posted a jaw-dropping 10.75 in the 100 meters—a collegiate record at the time. That run didn’t just propel her into the national spotlight; it ignited a cultural movement. Here was a young, Black, tattooed woman, with bold eyelashes and ever-changing wigs, commanding the sprint world without diluting her personality.

In an era where authenticity is currency, Richardson is rich in character. Her social media presence is raw and real, offering glimpses of her struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. She speaks openly about her mental health, the loss of her mother, and the pressures of fame—topics that many athletes shy away from but that resonate deeply with her audience.

The Comeback Queen

Richardson faced significant public scrutiny after testing positive for cannabis in 2021, which resulted in a suspension that kept her out of the Tokyo Olympics. But in true Sha’Carri fashion, she refused to be defined by that setback. Instead, she embraced the fall, learned from it, and plotted a comeback.

By 2023, she had silenced doubters with a stunning gold medal performance in the 100 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, clocking in at 10.65 seconds. Not only did she become the fastest woman in the world that year, but she also reasserted herself as a dominant force in global track and field.

Cultural Icon

Sha’Carri’s influence stretches beyond the track. She’s become a face of brand campaigns, from Nike to Beats by Dre, and her style—both athletic and fashion-forward—has landed her on numerous “best-dressed” lists. She’s been the topic of think pieces, television specials, and countless social media debates. But more than anything, she’s become a symbol of Black excellence, tenacity, and pride.

Complex’s recognition of her influence is well-earned. She has redefined what it means to be a track star in the 21st century—merging sport, culture, and activism into one unapologetic package.

Angel Reese: The Bayou Barbie Taking Basketball by Storm

If Sha’Carri lit up the track, Angel Reese set fire to the basketball court. Dubbed the “Bayou Barbie,” Reese captivated the nation during the 2022–2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball season, leading LSU to its first-ever national championship while simultaneously becoming a pop culture icon.

The Breakout Moment

The moment Angel Reese waved her hand in front of her face and pointed to her finger during the national title game, signaling that a championship ring was hers, the sports world took notice—and so did the world beyond it. The viral gesture, which echoed NBA star John Cena’s “you can’t see me” taunt, sparked national debate about double standards in sportsmanship, race, and gender.

While critics attempted to paint her celebration as unsportsmanlike, supporters rallied around her, praising her unapologetic confidence and emotional expression. Reese handled the spotlight with poise and intelligence, using the controversy to elevate conversations about how female athletes, especially Black women, are judged differently than their male counterparts.

Numbers to Back It Up

Reese wasn’t just talk—her game did the heavy lifting. During the 2022–2023 season, she averaged 23 points and 15.4 rebounds per game, a stat line that earned her All-American honors and the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.

Her impact extended into 2024, where she continued to dominate on the court, helping LSU remain a powerhouse in women’s basketball while solidifying her status as one of the most marketable athletes in the country.

Businesswoman & Brand Builder

Angel’s influence extends well beyond the hardwood. Through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, she’s built a multi-million-dollar brand, signing with companies like Coach, Reebok, and Amazon. Her style—glamorous yet fierce—has landed her modeling gigs and appearances at events like the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week.

Reese has embraced the spotlight, using her platform to uplift others, advocate for body positivity, and speak on issues facing Black women in sports. Her social media following is massive, her endorsement portfolio is booming, and her name continues to be a staple in conversations about the future of women’s sports.

Being named to Complex’s Most Influential Female Athletes List is just another chapter in what promises to be a legendary career.

More Than Athletes: The Power of Representation

What sets Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese apart isn’t just their talent—it’s their commitment to showing up authentically in a world that often asks Black women to tone it down. They’ve both taken heat for being too loud, too flashy, too confident—but rather than shrink under the scrutiny, they’ve expanded their platforms and amplified their voices.

Both women have become role models for young girls who see themselves reflected in their stories—not just as athletes, but as proud, multidimensional Black women who are unafraid to challenge societal norms.

They’re shifting the narrative from “grateful to be here” to “deserving to dominate.” They aren’t just representing LSU or their respective sports—they’re representing a movement.

LSU’s Culture of Empowerment

The success of Richardson and Reese also underscores the culture at LSU—a university that has increasingly become a powerhouse for nurturing high-profile, influential athletes. From Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase on the football field to Sha’Carri and Angel in their respective arenas, LSU has shown it knows how to attract and elevate generational talent.

The university’s support for NIL initiatives, visibility for women’s sports, and commitment to athlete branding has created an ecosystem where stars can thrive both professionally and personally.

Reese and Richardson’s inclusion on Complex’s list shines a spotlight on LSU’s ability to produce more than just great athletes—it’s a proving ground for game-changers.

The Legacy They’re Building

In many ways, Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese are just getting started. Their journeys have already redefined what it means to be an influential female athlete in the modern era, but their influence continues to grow.

Whether it’s Reese’s ambition to play in the WNBA and expand her empire or Richardson’s quest to dominate the Olympics and claim her throne as the fastest woman alive, both women have set a new standard for excellence, influence, and authenticity.

They’re not just athletes. They’re brands. They’re movement leaders. They’re Tigers with influence.

A New Era of Influence

Complex’s recognition of Sha’Carri Richardson and Angel Reese as two of the most influential female athletes isn’t just a moment of celebration—it’s a moment of affirmation. It confirms what fans, followers, and even critics already knew: these women are shaping culture, redefining success, and creating blueprints for future generations to follow.

As they continue to thrive, inspire, and challenge the norms, one thing is clear—the world isn’t just watching them run or shoot. The world is listening. And they’ve got plenty more to say.

So here’s to the Bayou Barbie and the track queen—two Tigers who’ve roared their way into the global consciousness. Their influence is undeniable, their power unstoppable, and their legacy only just beginning.