From the Basketball Court to the Runway: Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese is the First Pro-Athlete To Walk The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
When it comes to being a versatile professional on and off the court and making boss moves in history, Angel Reese is that woman.
The 2023 NCAA women’s basketball champion, Chicago Sky baller, podcast host and now first-ever pro athlete to walk the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, is the epitome of a go-getter.
Exchanging her athletic gear for lingerie and loungewear, the Bayou Barbie came to turn heads and make a powerful statement on the runway. She demonstrated how Black women can dominate any field with power and poise.
Making her debut on the runway Oct. 15, Reese strutted in style and displayed strong confidence and contagious energy. Her first look was a three-piece lingerie set covered in lace and soft shades of pink and white.
The staple that tied the outfit together was a fluffy fashion boa that draped beside her. The piece was brought to life with roses, adding a finishing touch.
On her feet, Reese sported silver heels that added to the confidence in each step she took. She walked with fearlessness and with an aura as the crowd cheered her on.
For her second look, Reese effortlessly walked the runway. This time, she rocked a pink tee cut out just enough to show her lace bra underneath. On her tee, Reese had a bedazzled statement near the chest area that read “Angel,” perfectly fitting for her. She also wore lace underwear, and the silver heels again added to her poise.
The biggest addition to this look was her silver and white wings, making a bold appearance as she commanded the runway.
Victoria’s Secret first introduced its famous wings in the 1990s, with Tyra Banks debuting them in 1998. Once a symbol of the brand’s fashion show, the elaborate designs disappeared after 2019 but are now returning for the show’s 2025 revival.
The memorable night ended in celebration as Reese came out alongside the other models to Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy.”
While this trending moment added to her legacy, Reese was owning the internet long before gracing the stage with her presence. Her announcement to participate already had the internet buzzing.
In an Oct. 9 Instagram post, Reese uploaded a photo of herself in lingerie and angel wings. She captioned the post: “Stepping into a dream: From Angel to a Victoria's Secret ANGEL. I’m finally getting my wings. I’ll be walking the Victoria’s Secret 2025 runway show for the first time, and it feels like destiny. Wings on, heels ready… Catch me on the runway.”
The athlete and influencer’s post quickly gained traction, grabbing media attention, making headlines and trending across multiple platforms.
However, that moment became more than a simple Instagram post; it symbolized representation, challenging beauty standards, the Black legacy, resilience and, most importantly, the fact that there are no limitations on what black women can do.
"I hope I can inspire women and girls everywhere and remind them that we can dominate in our field but also chase our goals outside of it—and for me, that’s getting to walk down fashion and entertainment’s most iconic runway," Reese told People.
Reese’s post also served as a reminder that her striking confidence, determination and tenacious energy are all characteristics that open doors and lead straight to defining moments.
"It's all about confidence! I’ve been training for both basketball and the fashion show these last couple of weeks, and I’m ready to swap my Angel Reese 1s for heels on Wednesday night!" she said.
It is important to remember that every defining moment can come with its challenges and adversities. Reese has navigated many difficulties, even up to her historic Victoria's Secret Runway debut.
Online critics and negative feedback from social media users have made outside noise, but the adversity and negativity did not lead her astray from her purpose.
As an athlete and Black woman, Reese faces a uniqueness that no other race, ethnicity or gender does. The weight of intersectionality has put her at the forefront of stereotypes and discrimination.
She has dealt with unwarranted comparisons when it comes to her skills in basketball and unjust treatment from players, referees and fans who prefer other athletes.
As if that weren’t enough stress to deal with, Reese and other WNBA players have also recently shown their frustration over the undervaluation and inequality between men’s and women’s pay in the league.
Such issues have led Reese to take on other opportunities and step outside the box, as viewers are witnessing now.
Reese brings a certain energy to each opportunity and understands the assignment.
“I don't work jobs. I am the job,” Reese tweeted.
Her independence and goal-driven mindset are powerful. Reese is redefining what it means to be an athlete, building a legacy in any way possible.
She has stepped into a space and carved her name right where she belongs. Continuing to make history with every move, Reese is the definition of Black excellence.
