Angel Reese has made history as the first professional athlete to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her performance was a moment of empowerment, confidence, and evolution for a young star who keeps redefining what it means to be an athlete in today’s world.
The appearance came two years after her Sports Illustrated swimsuit debut and only months after filming a cameo for Idris Elba‘s recent movie.
Lisa Leslie applauds Reese for breaking ground and inspiring others
While a small corner of the internet tried to downplay Reese‘s appearance, claiming she should focus on basketball, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie made it clear that Reese‘s achievement deserves celebration, not criticism.
“So, I thought it was amazing. Um, I thought she had…. she looked beautiful. I thought she had the confidence that she needed. And it’s her first time,” Leslie said during an interview on Good Fellow with Ros Gold-Onwude. “Like, people…. I don’t even read all of these comments. I just sent her a personal message and I was very…. I’m very proud of her. I’m happy that she’s the first WNBA player to do it because that’s going to open doors hopefully for more.”
Leslie, herself a pioneer who worked with designers like Armani and Tommy Hilfiger during her career, knows first hand how difficult it is to succeed in both sports and fashion.
Her praise carried the weight of someone who understands the pressure of constantly being under public scrutiny.
Modeling, she reminded audiences, takes more than just walking in heels. It requires connection, grace, and presence. For a player who has carried herself with poise through national titles, viral moments, and now the modeling spotlight, Reese made it look effortless.
Leslie added that Reese is seizing her moment wisely: “You have your best body in your 20s,” she said, implying that Reese‘s decision to expand her brand now was both timely and empowering.
Despite the online noise, Reese treated her modeling debut with the same professionalism that defines her basketball career. She worked with a modeling coach to “perfect my walk,” she told Vogue, and studied runway icons like Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Adriana Lima.
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