Angel Reese, first pro athlete to grace VS runway

Basketball star's appearance marks a powerful crossover between sport and fashion

NEW YORK:

Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward and former Louisiana State University basketball star, took her game from the court to the catwalk last week, making history as the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

Reese, 23, joined the brand's high-profile 'Wings Reveal' line-up in New York, where she appeared in a pink floral lingerie set adorned with lace and blossoms, paired with a dramatic feathered stole and the brand's signature white angel wings.

She strutted down the runway to Lumidee's 'Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)', exuding her trademark confidence and charisma. "It was destined for me," Reese said before the show. "I'm so happy to be sitting in this room with so many amazing models and women," she added.

The athlete revealed she hired a modelling coach to perfect her walk, adding, "I walk, sleep, hoop — and I hoop, sleep, walk." Celebrity stylist Law Roach, who mentored Reese, praised her accomplishment, saying, "One of her biggest dreams was to walk this show. For that to happen in a year or less — she looks stunning, she's ready, she's excited."

The show, livestreamed on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Prime Video, also featured performances by Madison Beer, Karol G, and K-pop group TWICE. Reese's appearance marks another milestone in her growing influence, bridging sports, fashion and pop culture with a mix of power, grace and unapologetic style.