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As LSU's Mikaylah Williams prepares to lead her team into the NCAA Tournament, she's reflecting on what it takes to be a leader - lessons learned directly from Angel Reese, now a WNBA star, and inspired by fellow collegiate icon Caitlin Clark.
Just days after LSU's loss to Texas in the SEC Tournament, Williams was back in the spotlight - not on the court, but at Raising Cane's, a beloved Louisiana chain, greeting fans and working behind the counter. Amidst all the excitement, Williams took a moment to speak about her new leadership role at LSU and how Reese shaped her mindset.
"With Angel, it's just being unapologetically yourself and that's kind of something that I've stepped into, like being able to speak up in front of my team and be a leader," Williams said.
Her words make it clear: Reese's influence hasn't left LSU, even as the program gears up for its first NCAA Tournament run without her.
Following in the Footsteps of Reese and Clark
While Reese showed her how to lead confidently, Williams also looks up to Caitlin Clark, whose meteoric rise has transformed women's college basketball. Williams had a front-row seat when LSU defeated Clark's Iowa squad in last year's NCAA championship game - a game that captivated the nation and shattered viewership records.
"They are growing the women's game like no other," Williams said. "Angel doing what she's doing, Unrivaled, Caitlin Clark doing what she does - I'm just glad to be able to follow in their footsteps and hopefully still have that impact for the people coming behind me."
Reflecting on last year's Elite Eight loss to Iowa, which ended LSU's title defense, Williams said that experience still fuels her.
"Obviously, Caitlin Clark is amazing, and the atmosphere with her in it was amazing," she added.
"Just knowing that feeling of walking back to the tunnel without the W - I try to that feeling around the locker room because some people were not on the team last year. I promise you don't want to feel that feeling."
Ready to Lead LSU Into March Madness
Although Williams is now the face of LSU women's basketball, she hasn't left Reese's advice behind.
After a tough regular season loss to Alabama, she revealed that Reese reached out, encouraging her to "keep my head up." It's that ongoing connection that continues to guide her.
Williams also acknowledged the pressure LSU faces as a team expected to make a deep March Madness run. Under Kim Mulkey's leadership, Williams said, the expectations are clear.
"[Mulkey] instills that in us and we have to win to keep going and have to win to keep playing basketball," Williams explained. "It's like, 'How long do you actually want to play basketball? Do you want to play basketball for those six games, or do you want to go home early?'"
Even as LSU fell short of capturing the SEC title, Williams' eyes are firmly set on the NCAA Tournament, and she knows she won't have to lead the team alone. Alongside Flau'jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow, LSU's "big three" are ready to take the court - with Morrow expected to return from injury in time for the tournament.
As she continues to grow into her role, Williams hopes her journey serves as an inspiration. "I want my legacy to be that I was kind, humble, and really wanted to show the people from back home, the young girls, the young ladies, the young men, that it's possible to be on the biggest stage," she said.
With role models like Reese and Clark blazing the trail, Williams is determined to leave her own mark on the sport - and on LSU history.