{
  "id": 13269023,
  "title": "Dream’s Angel Reese opens up about close relationship with Karl Smesko",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/dreams-angel-reese-opens-up-about-close-relationship-with-karl-smesko",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T00:26:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dream-angel-reese-opens-close-002643955.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Angel Reese, a key player for the Atlanta Dream, shared her close bond with Coach Karl Smesko in preparation for the WNBA playoffs. Reese, who began her third season with the Dream, is part of an Atlanta team that is on the verge of making its first WNBA Finals appearance. In an interview ahead of the team's Game 3 semifinal matchup against the New York Liberty, Reese spoke highly of Smesko, stating that his presence and support have been instrumental in her performance. She described how he trains with her daily, which builds her confidence, and how his genuine care for her success drives him to show up for her during games. Reese emphasized that Smesko's belief in her and his commitment to her development mean the world to her, adding that their unique handshake demonstrates their strong connection.",
  "summary": "There is a strong bond between Angel Reese and Karl Smesko as the Atlanta Dream continue their remarkable playoff run this season. Reese is going through the third season of her WNBA career, her first with the Dream. She’s enjoying her best campaign to date as she is helping Atlanta be on the brink of making a WNBA Finals appearance. Reese spoke […] The post Dream’s Angel Reese opens up about…",
  "key_points": [
    "Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream player, opens up about relationship with Karl Smesko.",
    "Reese describes daily training sessions with Smesko as confidence booster.",
    "Smesko's belief in Reese's success and unique handshake symbolize strong connection."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The close relationship between Angel Reese and Coach Karl Smesko underpins Reese's performance and confidence, reflecting a key factor in the Atlanta Dream's potential to make its first WNBA Finals appearance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Angel Reese and Jonquel Jones called for double technical fouls in Game 3",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/angel-reese-and-jonquel-jones-called-for-double-technical-fouls-in",
        "published": "2026-10-10T01:01:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}