Angel attributed the gesture as a testament to her and Caitlin’s competitiveness, and has clarified that the players do not hate each other. In fact, Caitlin and Angel even shared a hug after their April 1 face-off. And while many critics continue to point to the on-court moment, Angel emphasized that she wouldn’t change anything.
“I just want all of you to know I’m still a human,” she explained. “All of this has happened since I won the national championship and I said the other day, ‘I haven’t been happy since then.’ And it sucks, but I still wouldn’t change anything. I would still sit here and say I’m unapologetically me.”
As for what makes it all worth it, Angel pointed to the players following in her footsteps.
“Hopefully the little girls that look up to me—I give them some type of inspiration,” she concluded. “Hopefully it’s not this hard in all the things that come at you, but keep being who you are—just be confident.”