On October 15, basketball star Angel Reese will make history as the first professional athlete to walk the runway in the iconic Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. After attending the event’s highly anticipated return in 2024, Reese will debut this year as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, marking the beginning of her global partnership with the brand.
The 23-year-old told People, “It’s such a surreal and full-circle moment — just last year I was in the audience manifesting being on that runway, completely inspired and in awe of all the powerful women walking down the runway, and now I get to return as an Angel. This will be an unforgettable night that I’ll forever be grateful for.”
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The WNBA player expressed immense pride and excitement about being the first professional athlete to walk for Victoria’s Secret, emphasizing the significance of this milestone.
“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,” she said.
The WNBA star shared that her runway preparation “is not that different from training and practicing for a game.”
“It’s all about confidence!” she explained. “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!”
Reese is planning to feature her signature “tunnel walk” in the show.
“My walk will be confident but inside I know I’ll definitely be freaking out with excitement!” she remarked.
The athlete expressed that walking in the presence of music legends like Missy Elliott, one of the show’s musical guests, will make her feel “more empowered.”
Victoria’s Secret announced on October 8 that this year’s headliners will be Missy Elliott, Madison Beer, Karol G, and K-pop stars TWICE. This continues the all-female lineup from last year, which featured Cher, Lisa, and Tyla.
Additionally, Victoria’s Secret has confirmed that the model lineup includes Adriana Lima, Alex Consani, Anok Yai, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge, and Yumi Nu.
“Adriana Lima is iconic,” Reese said. “And of course, the OGs like Gisele [Bündchen] and even my friend Anok! Just total powerhouses.”
The basketball star also described Tyra Banks as one of her biggest role models. Reese said it was “an honor” to watch Banks return to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2024.
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“She was the first to do so many amazing things in fashion, and it’s incredible to see her success keep growing,” Reese shared.
“I had the absolute best time last year,” she recounted. “I am a HUGE Tyra fan and her moment on the runway was so incredible.”
She continued, “I loved all of the big hair, and it was an honor to watch all of the incredible women take on the runway and represent so much more than just a sho—it really was so empowering and such a celebration!”
Reese is not taking the opportunity for granted.
She said, “It’s such an honor to be a part of such an immensely powerful moment that celebrates women, and how multifaceted we are. I know the energy and excitement will be unmatched—I’m ready for it!”
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is scheduled for October 15 in New York. The event will be streamed live on Prime Video.
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