U.S. women’s national team head coach Kara Lawson left Tuesday’s practice at the Max-Schmeling-Halle annex courts visibly frustrated, telling reporters that Angel Reese’s first workout with the squad in Germany “didn’t meet the standard we expect.”
The Americans arrived in the German capital Monday and held their first full session Tuesday after Reese and teammate Rhyne Howard joined the group following Atlanta’s Sunday WNBA win. With A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum out for health reasons, Reese was expected to provide immediate physical presence and rebounding. Lawson said that presence was missing.
“We need energy, we need communication, and we need people who are ready to compete at this level from the first whistle,” Lawson said. “Angel has had a strong season, but today was not the version of her we need. She’s capable of more. That’s the conversation we had.”
Sources around the team described Reese as late into several drills, inconsistent on the glass in live segments, and quiet on defense during half-court work. Lawson stopped play more than once to address spacing and effort on the second unit, according to observers. The session lasted just under two hours and featured competitive 5-on-5 periods that mixed veterans such as Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Chelsea Gray with World Cup newcomers Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Reese.
Reese, who set a WNBA single-season record with her 29th double-double on Sunday, has averaged 16.1 points and 12.4 rebounds this year. She was the leading rebounder for the U.S. during March qualifying. Lawson acknowledged that context but refused to lower the bar.
“This isn’t the WNBA schedule. This is a World Cup. Roles tighten, minutes are earned daily, and the details matter more,” she said. “I’m not here to protect feelings. I’m here to prepare a team that can win gold.”
Team officials later described the comments as typical of Lawson’s direct style rather than a lasting rift. Reese was not made available after practice. The U.S. opens Group D against China on Friday at 14:15 local time, still heavy favorites despite the absences.
Lawson closed by saying the group has “two more days to get it right” before the tournament begins. Whether Reese responds in Wednesday’s session will be the first real test of how the young core handles the coach’s demands.
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