Angel Reese Named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, First in Atlanta Dream Franchise History
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese has been named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in franchise history to earn the prestigious award.

Atlanta, GA, October 1, 2026 —
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese has been awarded the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year honor, marking a significant milestone as the first player in the franchise’s history to receive this prestigious accolade. The announcement recognizes Reese’s outstanding performance and impact on the defensive end of the court throughout the season.
Reese’s achievement highlights her consistent effort and skill in defending opponents, contributing to her team’s strategy and success. While the summary states she is the first in franchise history to win the award, specific details regarding the voting process, the number of votes received, or other finalists were not provided in the trend summary. Information about the specific defensive statistics that led to this recognition, such as steals, blocks, or defensive ratings, was also not detailed.
The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award is typically given to a player who demonstrates exceptional defensive ability, consistently shutting down opposing players and making crucial defensive plays. Reese’s selection by the league is a testament to her dedication and effectiveness in this area. Further details about the timeline of the award announcement or any subsequent team reactions or player comments were not available in the provided summary. The award signifies a major individual accomplishment for the Atlanta Dream player.
Story summarized from the original created by Atlanta First News staff on www.atlantanewsfirst.com, see more information here.
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