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Angel Reese is officially swapping sneakers for stilettos. The 23-year-old WNBA star is set to make history on October 15 as the first-ever professional athlete to walk the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway, marking the beginning of her global partnership with the iconic lingerie brand.
"I literally could not stop smiling!" Reese told PEOPLE after learning the news. "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."
Reese first shared the announcement through a joint Instagram post with Victoria's Secret that read, "Angel Reese, welcome to the runway. The first professional athlete angel... major is an understatement." She followed up with her own post saying, "Stepping into a dream: From Angel to a Victoria's Secret ANGEL. I'm finally getting my wings. Wings on, heels ready...Catch me on the runway."
She said she hopes to inspire women everywhere. "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," she said. "For me, that's getting to walk down fashion and entertainment's most iconic runway."
Reese revealed that her preparation for the runway has felt familiar. "It's all about confidence! 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," she said.
The highly anticipated show will feature performances by Missy Elliott, Karol G, Madison Beer, and TWICE, continuing the brand's all-female headliner lineup. Among the models joining Reese are Adriana Lima, Anok Yai, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge, Alex Consani, and Yumi Nu.
"Adriana Lima is iconic," Reese said, naming Tyra Banks as another major inspiration. "She was the first to do so many incredible things in the fashion space."
Reese summed up her excitement simply: "It's such an honour 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!"
