Quick Read
- Angel Reese became the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2025.
- Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever has openly declared her dream to follow Reese onto the runway.
- Cunningham’s runway ambition surfaced during her recovery from a knee injury, sparking fan interest.
- The intersection of sports and fashion is expanding, with athletes increasingly redefining their personal brands.
Sophie Cunningham Eyes the Runway: Inspired by Angel Reese’s Historic Victoria’s Secret Debut
When Angel Reese made headlines as the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway, she set a precedent that rippled far beyond the boundaries of basketball. Just months after Reese’s electrifying moment, another WNBA star, Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever, is making her own ambitions known. Cunningham isn’t just watching from the sidelines—she’s openly voicing her dream to step onto the runway herself, and the sports world is listening.
From Second Grade Dreams to Public Declaration
On her podcast, Show Me Something, Cunningham offered a rare glimpse into her lifelong aspiration. “I texted my agents right away. Please. This has been a dream of mine since second grade… I always wanted to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel,” she confessed. At 29, Cunningham’s candor resonated with fans, many of whom see her as a fixture for the Fever both on and off the court. Her heartfelt words were more than nostalgia—they were a call to action, a signal that she’s ready to chase an ambition that’s lingered since childhood.
Reese’s precedent wasn’t lost on Cunningham. Speaking with genuine admiration, she celebrated Reese’s achievement: “Angel really did kill it. She looked stunning. She looked beautiful.” Rather than viewing Reese’s moment as competition, Cunningham embraced it as inspiration, showing that the runway can be a space for athletes to shine just as brightly as supermodels.
The Intersection of Sports and Fashion: A New Era for Athlete Branding
Angel Reese’s runway appearance was more than a glamorous detour—it was a cultural moment. As Marca noted, Reese stood shoulder-to-shoulder with fashion icons, blending the worlds of athletics and high fashion in a way few have managed. The impact was immediate: Suddenly, the conversation wasn’t just about points and rebounds but about personal style, self-expression, and the expanding possibilities for athletes.
Cunningham’s interest in modeling isn’t superficial. She’s currently recovering from a knee injury, which has extended her offseason and prompted a period of reflection. “It’s kinda turning into a rabbit,” she joked about her new dietary restrictions. “I guess I’m gonna turn into a Victoria’s Secret model. Call me Angel Reese.” The remark, playful yet pointed, suggests that Cunningham is ready to embrace a broader sense of self—one that isn’t limited to the hardwood.
Resilience, Reinvention, and the Road Ahead
Cunningham’s path is emblematic of a larger movement among athletes who are redefining what it means to have a ‘brand.’ With social media and podcasting platforms, stars like Cunningham can now connect with fans in ways that transcend traditional press conferences and box scores. Her openness about her runway ambitions—and her admiration for Reese and other models—signals a willingness to take risks and explore new facets of her identity.
For the Indiana Fever, Cunningham’s recovery is closely watched. The team counts on her energy and skill to strengthen their roster. But even as she works towards her comeback, Cunningham’s narrative is expanding. Fans aren’t just rooting for her rehabilitation—they’re curious to see if she’ll take those first steps onto the catwalk, joining Reese in a growing roster of athletes who defy expectation and redefine visibility.
Fashion, for Cunningham, isn’t just about clothes—it’s about transformation. The physical and mental reset brought on by injury has given her space to imagine new possibilities. The timing is striking: as her body heals, her ambitions grow bolder. And in a culture where athletes are increasingly seen as multifaceted individuals, Cunningham’s story feels both timely and timeless.
Athlete Empowerment: More Than Just the Game
The sports-fashion crossover has grown rapidly in recent years. Reese’s runway appearance was not an isolated incident—it was a door opening wider for others like Cunningham. In an era of personal branding, visibility, and crossover appeal, athletes are leveraging their platforms to pursue interests beyond the game. Cunningham’s candid remarks, whether playful or intentional, reflect a growing confidence among athletes to explore opportunities once considered out of reach.
As Cunningham continues her recovery and contemplates her future, the question lingers: Will she walk the runway next season, perhaps alongside Reese? Whether or not that moment comes, her declaration already marks a turning point. It’s a sign that the boundaries between sports and fashion are blurring, and that athletes like Cunningham are ready to embrace every opportunity that comes their way.
Her journey is a testament to resilience—the ability to turn setbacks into new beginnings. By voicing her ambitions, Cunningham isn’t just entertaining a possibility; she’s setting an example for athletes everywhere. The runway may still be a dream, but for Sophie Cunningham, it’s a dream she’s willing to chase, one bold step at a time.
Assessment: Cunningham’s pursuit of the runway, inspired by Angel Reese’s breakthrough, highlights a broader shift in athlete empowerment. By openly sharing her ambitions, Cunningham redefines what it means to be a professional athlete in the modern era: not just a competitor on the court, but a dynamic individual ready to seize opportunities wherever they appear.