Chicago, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Angel Reese, a standout player for the Chicago Sky, becomes the first professional athlete to participate in the relaunch of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This historic moment showcases her journey from the basketball court to the runway, highlighting the evolving role of female athletes in both sports and fashion. Despite facing significant media scrutiny and personal challenges, Reese’s debut in the fashion world signals a broader narrative about representation and opportunities for women in athletics.
Chicago
Angel Reese, a star player for the Chicago Sky, has made headlines as the first professional athlete to participate in the relaunch of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, showcasing her journey from the basketball court to the runway. This milestone marks a significant moment not only in her career but also in the realm of women’s sports and representation in fashion.
Reese’s participation in the show was more than just a fashion statement; it was a fulfillment of a long-held dream. She made her runway debut in a striking pink floral lingerie set adorned with the brand’s iconic wings. The event celebrated diverse models and talent while featuring performances from various artists, generating buzz across social media platforms.
In recent months, Reese has navigated a challenging media landscape. She has expressed a deep-seated anxiety about interacting with journalists, preferring to pay fines instead of addressing press inquiries. Her fears stem from past controversies, including heightened scrutiny following her taunting of fellow player Caitlin Clark during the 2023 NCAA championship game and critical comments regarding her team’s performance during the 2025 WNBA season.
Media Interactions and Controversies
Reese’s bold statement about not settling for the previous season’s struggles was met with backlash, leading to an apology where she claimed her remarks were taken out of context. Despite her efforts to clarify, she was suspended for the first half of a subsequent game due to what the league termed “statements detrimental to the team.” In addition, the WNBA investigated allegations of hateful comments directed at her during a season opener against Clark’s Connecticut Fever but ultimately found insufficient evidence to support these claims.
The controversy heightened Reese’s profile, especially after she raised concerns in her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” relating to racial abuse and harassment she faced from fans. Her discussion included sharing experiences of receiving explicit AI-generated images sent to her family, underscoring the challenges many athletes face beyond the sport.
Support and Future Prospects
Despite the challenges, Reese has garnered substantial support from fellow WNBA athletes and celebrities after her runway appearance. Many expressed admiration for her talent and determination, highlighting the importance of having a supportive network in such a competitive environment. Figures like Lisa Leslie have commented on Reese’s need for veteran leadership as she navigates her early career in the WNBA.
Reese’s future with the Chicago Sky remains a topic of speculation, particularly in light of her strong statements about the team’s need for improvement and potential trade considerations. She has vocalized her aspirations for the franchise to enhance its roster following a disappointing 10-34 record at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
Conclusion
Angel Reese’s journey from fast food worker to a celebrated WNBA athlete and now to a fashion model represents the multidimensional nature of modern athletes. Her historic participation in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show signifies not only personal achievement but also a broader narrative about representation and opportunities for female athletes in various fields.
FAQs
Who is Angel Reese?
Angel Reese is a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky and made history as the first pro athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
What notable achievements has Angel Reese accomplished recently?
Reese recently became the first professional athlete to participate in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, fulfilling a dream and broadening her career from basketball to modeling.
What challenges has Angel Reese faced regarding media interactions?
Reese has expressed anxiety about media interactions, occasionally preferring to incur fines than to address reporters, especially after past controversies that have attracted significant scrutiny.
How has Angel Reese responded to her team’s performance?
Reese publicly criticized the Chicago Sky’s last-season performance and emphasized the need for improvements within the team, leading to some backlash and her subsequent suspension for detrimental statements.
What support has Angel Reese received from her peers?
Many WNBA stars and celebrities have publicly supported Reese following her runway debut, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among athletes, particularly in navigating their careers.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Historic Fashion Debut | Angel Reese is the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. |
| Media Anxiety | Reese has expressed fear and anxiety towards media interactions, at times preferring to pay fines over answering questions. |
| Controversies | Her critical comments regarding her team caused backlash, leading to an investigation and suspension more recently. |
| Support from Peers | Fellow WNBA athletes and celebrities have rallied to support Reese amid controversies and her fashion journey. |
| Future Speculations | Concerns about her future with the Chicago Sky persist, particularly concerning potential trades and the need for team improvements. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chicago Selected to Host WNBA All-Star Game
WNBA Players Demand Fairer Salaries Amid CBA Negotiations
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- ClutchPoints
- Bleacher Report
- Newsweek
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: Angel Reese
- Google Search: Angel Reese
- Google Scholar: Angel Reese
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Angel Reese
- Google News: Angel Reese
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