Angel Reese, the dynamic WNBA star known for her exceptional basketball skills and style, recently made waves both on and off the court. After a brief hiatus from social media, Reese returned with a statement that not only caught the attention of her millions of followers but also sent a clear message to her critics: she’s here to stay and is owning both her identity as an athlete and a fashion icon.
The 22-year-old Chicago Sky forward had fans buzzing when she shared a stunning image of herself in a glamorous New Year’s Eve dress, but it wasn’t long before her Instagram account, boasting over five million followers, was deactivated. While some speculated over the reason for her social media break, Reese made her return more impactful than ever.
Upon her reactivation, she shared a bold and empowering post—a cover image of herself gracing the front page of Vogue with the caption: “Covergirl. It’s always been both: basketball and fashion.” This powerful statement embodied Reese’s unwavering confidence in being true to herself, defying the pressures that come with being in the public eye.
On Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Reese continued to share her unfiltered thoughts with fans, embracing her multifaceted identity. “I ‘covered up’ and gave y’all COVERGIRL,” she wrote, referencing her appearance on the cover of Vogue’s Winter 2025 issue titled When Sports Met Fashion. The cover shot, featuring Reese in a deep burgundy Versace dress, was a visual testament to her unique blend of sports and style.
Her fashion-forward approach isn’t new; as Reese explained in her Vogue interview, her love for fashion has been part of her life since childhood. “I was always in my mom’s closet, putting on her stuff. I liked to carry a purse. Hair done. I wanted to look put together,” she said. Growing up, she was captivated by shows like America’s Next Top Model, where she’d practice her walk in the living room—a far cry from the basketball courts, but a passion that would eventually complement her athletic career.
Fans have responded overwhelmingly with admiration, not just for her talents on the court, but for her ability to stay authentic in a world that often pressures women, especially athletes, to conform to certain standards. Reese’s ability to combine fashion with basketball shows that the two worlds aren’t mutually exclusive—she’s proving that women can excel in multiple arenas without sacrificing any aspect of who they are.
One fan wrote, “Angel Reese is truly a queen in every sense—on and off the court,” while another declared, “This is why she’s a role model. Basketball, fashion, and staying authentic. Angel is unstoppable!” Reese’s unapologetic confidence, both in her craft and her image, continues to inspire fans worldwide.
In addition to her Vogue cover, Reese is gearing up for her next major venture, starring alongside other WNBA stars in the new 3×3 Unrivaled league, which kicks off on January 17. With her passion for basketball and style at the forefront, it’s clear Reese’s influence is only growing.
