News Summary
Angel Reese, a prominent player for the Chicago Sky, has made history by becoming the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. This groundbreaking moment highlights her expanding influence beyond basketball, despite facing media challenges and controversies. Reese’s appearance signifies her resilience and versatility, as she aims to break barriers across different industries while inspiring discussions about diversity and the multifaceted nature of modern athletes.
Chicago, IL — Angel Reese Breaks Barriers and Makes History Despite Media Fears
In a groundbreaking moment for professional sports and fashion, Angel Reese, a star player for the Chicago Sky and former NCAA championship competitor, has become the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her appearance marks a significant milestone in her career and signifies her expanding influence beyond basketball. Despite facing media-related challenges and controversy earlier this year, Reese’s return to the spotlight underscores her resilience and desire to broaden her professional pursuits.
Reese’s Media Anxiety and Controversies
In recent months, Reese has publicly spoken about her fear of media interactions. She has expressed a preference at times to pay fines rather than speak with reporters, citing her anxiety over potential misinterpretations of her words. This was detailed during her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel”, where she described her struggle with media pressure and her efforts to manage how her statements are perceived.
Reese became a controversial figure in women’s basketball after her outspoken behavior during the 2023 NCAA championship game, notably her taunting of fellow player Caitlin Clark. This incident drew mixed reactions, with some praising her competitive spirit and others criticizing her for sportsmanship. Following her team’s finish at the end of the 2025 WNBA season, where her team, Chicago Sky, ended with a 10-34 record and last place in the league standings, Reese publicly called for improvements in the roster. Her comments emphasized her desire for her team to aim higher and improve, though they also drew backlash from some fans and media outlets.
Later, Reese issued an apology, clarifying that her comments were taken out of context and taking responsibility for how her statements might be perceived. Subsequently, she was suspended for the first half of a game due to statements deemed harmful to the team, highlighting the league’s efforts to enforce communication standards.
Investigation into Alleged Harassment and Media Scrutiny
During the season, Reese was involved in a WNBA investigation concerning allegedly “hateful” comments directed at her by fans during the league’s opener against Caitlin Clark’s team, Connecticut Fever. The league concluded its investigation with insufficient evidence to support the allegations, allowing Reese’s reputation to remain intact. However, issues surrounding fan behavior and online harassment persisted. She has spoken out about experiencing racist harassment, including receiving AI-generated explicit images sent to her family members, which she detailed on her podcast in her inaugural episode. Reese shared her concerns about the harassment and her efforts to cope with the negativity from some fans.
Transition to Fashion and Broadening Horizons
Reese’s recent debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show underscores her versatility and aspirations beyond basketball. She expressed her excitement about having the opportunity to participate in this highly regarded show, which signifies her entrance into the modeling and entertainment industry. During her runway debut, she showcased a pink floral lingerie set with signature wings, embodying both confidence and professionalism. Her appearance was praised by celebrity stylists, notably Law Roach, who lauded her stunning presence and natural poise.
The relaunch of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, after a hiatus, featured a diverse array of models and musical performances, celebrating inclusivity and talent. The event was streamed across multiple platforms, garnering considerable attention on social media, with many fans and fellow athletes expressing support for Reese’s historic debut. She credited her preparation for the runway appearance to hiring a modeling coach, demonstrating her commitment to excelling in this new arena.
Background and Future Outlook
Reese’s journey from working in fast food restaurants to becoming a prominent college athlete, then a professional player, and now a fashion model illustrates her belief in being multidimensional. Her rise reflects her resilience and determination to break barriers in multiple industries.
Notably, former WNBA star Lisa Leslie commented on Reese’s need for veteran support as she transitions into her professional career. There is ongoing speculation about her future with the Chicago Sky amid her outspoken calls for franchise improvement and potential trade considerations, though no official decisions have been announced.
Public Support and Cultural Impact
Following her runway debut, many WNBA athletes, celebrities, and fans took to social media to support Reese, celebrating her historic moment and her efforts to challenge stereotypes about athletes and models. Reese’s story continues to inspire discussions about resilience, diversity, and the multifaceted nature of modern athletes, who are increasingly breaking traditional boundaries to redefine their careers.
As Reese looks ahead, her journey exemplifies determination and the pursuit of expansion beyond conventional roles. Her experience signals a potential shift in how athletes are perceived—no longer confined solely to their sport but seen as influential figures across entertainment, fashion, and culture.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Injuries Affect Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever Matchup
WNBA Players Push for Fair Compensation Amid Negotiations
Angel Reese Sets WNBA Record with Consecutive Double-Doubles
Napheesa Collier Emerges as Leading Candidate for WNBA MVP
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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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
