News Summary
Angel Reese, the star player for the Chicago Sky, has become the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Despite facing media anxieties and past controversies, her runway debut marks a significant achievement. Reese has openly discussed her challenges, including public scrutiny and backlash from fans. While embracing her multi-faceted identity, she aims for better performance within her team. Reese’s participation signals a new era for women athletes, showcasing their evolving roles beyond sports and into the fashion industry.
Chicago – Angel Reese, the star player for the Chicago Sky, has made headlines by becoming the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This milestone comes even as Reese has publicly addressed her anxieties regarding media interactions and her struggles within the sport. Her participation in the fashion show coincides with a series of controversies and challenges she has faced in her career.
Despite her groundbreaking fashion achievement, Reese has expressed discomfort with the media, stating that she sometimes prefers to pay fines rather than answer reporters’ questions. In her podcast “Unapologetically Angel,” she elaborated on her fears of misinterpretation that could arise from media interactions, a concern highlighted during her controversial actions in recent seasons.
Reese gained notoriety for her bold behavior during the 2023 NCAA championship game when she taunted rival player Caitlin Clark. That incident significantly shaped her public image, drawing both adoration and criticism from fans and commentators alike. Subsequently, Reese faced backlash for calling out her team’s disappointing 10-34 finish in the 2025 WNBA season, asserting that she would not accept a repeat of such performance. She later retracted her comments, citing that they were taken out of context and acknowledging her responsibilities regarding public statements.
In the wake of her comments, Reese was suspended for the first half of a game due to what the team labeled “statements detrimental to the team.” Furthermore, she found herself at the center of a WNBA investigation concerning allegations of hateful comments made against her during the season opener against Clark’s team. Ultimately, the league concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support those allegations.
In her podcast, Reese also discussed experiencing harassment from fans, including receiving AI-generated explicit images directed at her family, following her high-profile rivalry with Clark. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges athletes face regarding their mental health and safety in the public sphere.
Despite these challenges, Reese’s runway debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marks a positive moment in her career. She wore a striking pink floral lingerie set adorned with signature wings, captivating audiences and receiving acclaim for her presence on the runway. Celebrity stylist Law Roach acknowledged her stunning appearance and genuine demeanor during the event. The show, recently relaunched after a hiatus, showcased diverse talent and featured performances from various artists, gaining substantial attention on social media.
Reese’s ascent from a fast-food worker to a celebrated WNBA player and now a fashion model exemplifies her belief in embracing multiple facets of her identity. She had enlisted the help of a modeling coach to refine her runway skills, demonstrating her commitment to this new venture. Many within the sports community, including fellow WNBA stars, expressed support for her historic achievement on social media platforms.
Former WNBA player Lisa Leslie mentioned the importance of leadership support for Reese as she continues her journey in the league. Leslie expressed hopes that Reese would receive the guidance necessary for further development and success in her career.
Reese’s outspoken remarks about the Chicago Sky’s future have led to speculation regarding her standing with the franchise. Her insistence on roster improvements and ambitions for better team performance raises questions about possible trade considerations in the coming seasons. The ongoing discussions around her career, alongside her groundbreaking achievements, indicate the evolving landscape of women’s sports and the multifaceted roles athletes are beginning to explore beyond traditional boundaries.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chicago Selected to Host 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
Chicago Sky Hosts Indiana Fever Despite Star Player Absences
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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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