Angel Reese is unapologetic. Anyone who has watched her over the years would know. But what’s behind that game-day confidence? In a new interview, the former Chicago Sky star opened up about what gives her the boost she needs to perform at the highest level on the hardwood—and it’s not what some may expect.
Angel Reese Spills The Tea Behind Her Game-Day Confidence
While speaking with ELLE, Reese, who also stars in the new Victoria’s Secret campaign, the “Summer of Angel,” opened up about the similarities between modeling and preparing for a game on the court.
“It’s the confidence,” she said, adding, “being able to look good and feel good, and then you go out there and kill it.”
For Reese, practice makes perfect. “You practice on the basketball court to get ready for games,” she said, explaining that she also practiced her walk before taking the runway in the VS Fashion Show in October 2025.
“When you walk in the tunnel, you’re already ready for the game because you’ve practiced so much. And when I practiced for so long in my heels, and then in the outfits that I wore, I was ready,” she said.
She added, “I was so nervous when I walked out the first time, but the second time, it was a piece of cake.”
Angel Reese Is A Victoria’s Secret Model
Reese is the first professional athlete to walk in a VS fashion show, according to The Blast. And while the opportunity is rare, Reese felt it coming all along.
“I make a vision board every year, and I actually put one of the pictures of Tyra [Banks] from the [Victoria’s Secret] Fashion Show on it. I went to the 2024 show, and I was like, “I’m going to do this.” I didn’t even know Tyra was gonna be in the 2024 one, and I had a picture of her on my vision board, so when I did it in 2025, it was just like a dream come true,” Reese said.
She went on to say that she “manifests” everything she has. “So I knew when I was sitting in the seat and watching in 2024, I was like, ‘I’m gonna do it next year.’ And it happened. [It] wasn’t easy, but [it was] definitely a blessing,” she added.
Angel Reese Is Using Her Podcast To Control Her Story
Reese is also keeping busy these days with her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel.” According to The Blast, Reese said she launched the show to tell her story in her own words.
“It’s important to have your own narrative and be able to take control of that,” she said. “I wanted to have my own name and be able to break my own news on my podcast.”
For Reese, the podcast isn’t just for her; it’s for her guests, too, who have included NBA stars Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal, and reality star Olandria Carthen.
“It’s also important for guests to be able to come on and talk about their upcoming things, be unapologetic, speak their truth, and just have fun,” Reese said.
Reese Was Traded To A New Team In The WNBA
The coming episodes of Reese’s podcast should touch on her stunning trade to the Atlanta Dream, per The Blast.
“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” the Chicago Sky’s general manager said. “Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond.”
While WNBA free agency is still ongoing, last year’s Dream team finished 30-14 with Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Brittney Griner, and Brionna Jones.
Reese’s Move To ATL Is Forever … She’s ‘Here To Stay’
Reese’s trade to Atlanta comes after a contentious end to her sophomore year in Chicago. Despite that, the LSU alum is looking forward to shining in the Peach State on a championship-contending team.
“I was so excited when I finally found out,” said. “The team has welcomed me so much, the atmosphere, the culture … I’m so excited to be in A-Town. … [I’m] here to stay.”