From The Court To The Catwalk: Angel Reese Is The First Pro Athlete To Become A Victoria's Secret Angel

Angel Reese is continuing to prove she's much more than a basketball player!

On Thursday, October 9, Reese announced that she is joining the ranks of iconic Victoria's Secret models as an official "VS Angel" and brand ambassador.

As part of her new partnership, Angel Reese will also make her runway debut during the star-studded Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in just a few days.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Reese reflected on how she was feeling when she learned she'd be part of Victoria's Secret's model lineup for the 2025 show.

"I literally could not stop smiling!" she said. "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."

With the announcement, Reese becomes the first professional athlete to walk for Victoria's Secret, and according to her, it's something she's "so proud and excited" about.

The 6'3" power forward is also ecstatic because walking in the fashion show is another personal goal she is now able to say she's accomplished.

"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.

Luckily for Reese, she doesn't seem all that nervous about strutting down the runway, as she believes mastering the walk "is not that different from training and practicing for a game" in the WNBA.

"It's all about confidence!" Reese said, later revealing that she's been training for "both basketball and the fashion show" for the last several weeks. "... I'm ready to swap my Angel Reese 1s for heels on Wednesday night!"

And for those who will be tuning in to see Reese make her VS debut, her catwalk will look eerily similar, as she revealed she plans to channel her "signature tunnel walk."

"My walk will be confident, but inside I know I’ll definitely be freaking out with excitement," Reese added before saying the show's musical guests, such as Missy Elliott, will help her feel "empowered."

Elsewhere, during her interview with PEOPLE, Reese spoke about some of the other women she'll get to model alongside in mid-October, including Adriana Lima, Anok Yai, and Lily Aldridge.

"Adriana Lima is iconic," Reese said. "And of course, the OGs like Gisele [Bündchen] and even my friend Anok! Just total powerhouses!"

But there's one model who's always been at the top for Reese: Tyra Banks.

The former "America's Next Top Model" host made her grand return to the VS runway in 2024, an event Reese called "an honor" to watch.

"She was the first to do so many incredible things in the fashion space, and to be able to see her success continue to grow is incredible," Reese said.

"I had the absolute best time last year," she went on. "I am a HUGE Tyra fan and her moment on the runway was so incredible."

Banks' return to the runway was marked by flashing lights, a striking ensemble, and flowy hair—all things Reese said she absolutely "loved."

"... it was an honor to watch all of the incredible women take on the runway and represent so much more than just a show — it really was so empowering and such a celebration," she continued.

Before concluding her interview, Reese again expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how it allows her to present another side of herself as a businesswoman.

"It’s such an honor to be a part of such an immensely powerful moment that celebrates women, and how multifaceted we are," she said. "I know the energy and excitement will be unmatched – I’m ready for it!"

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be streamed live on Prime Video on October 15.