Sports Illustrated Swimsuit unveils diverse cast of models for this year’s issue

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Sports Illustrated is revealing several of this year’s Swimsuit Issue models ahead of the magazine’s official launch in July.

Every day this month, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Instagram account is spotlighting a new model set to appear in the 2021 issue, and so far as introduced a diverse cast of women of different ages, body types, and backgrounds. 

Among this year’s gorgeous women to be featured in the iconic annual magazine include a former pediatric oncology nurse who returned to hospitals during the pandemic, curvy models, social media influencers, former pageant queens, and stars like Lais Ribeiro and Josephine Skriver.

Maggie Rawlins

Maggie Rawlins doesn’t just bring brains and beauty to SI Swim — she also brings heart, as a nurse who has volunteered at hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She was working as a nurse in Charleston, South Carolina when she was scouted and changed careers, eventually earning modeling gigs with Love Magazine and Elle Croatia. 

But when the pandemic hit, she returned to her healthcare roots to save lives in Queens, New York hospitals and by volunteering as a One World Health ambassador.  

‘We met Maggie on her first trip to New York City after she decided to pursue modeling and we’ve watched her career evolve ever since,’ said editor MJ Day. 

‘Not only is she an incredibly beautiful model, she is also living proof that it’s never too late to give back to your community. She returned to her career in nursing when COVID-19 hit, volunteering to work at several hospitals in Queens. 

‘As a former pediatric oncology nurse and a COVID frontline warrior, her dedication, commitment and passion towards helping others are the types of traits we love to celebrate and highlight.’

Speaking to People, Maggie added: ‘I feel like everyone has a role and responsibility to play during the pandemic. Since I have an active nursing license, I felt like [going back to nursing] was the right thing to do. Additionally, it was in New York City… That city has been so good to me, and I wanted to give back.’

Marquita Pring

Marquita Pring, 30, from Albany, New York has been modeling since age 15, signing with IMG curvy model devision in 2010. 

She’s walked for Jean Paul Gaultier in his Spring 2011 show, posed for Vogue Italia, and appeared in campaigns for L’Oreal and Levi Strauss & Co.

Last year, she joined SI Swimsuit as a rookie, and now she’s back for take two.

‘Marquita is a natural fit for our brand,’ said editor MJ Day. 

‘She is effortless to photograph, and a pleasure to be around. She is smart, competent, established, possesses a hunger and dedication to changing the industry. 

‘Her voice is powerful, and it is an important one for the world to hear. She represents so many different types of women and we are incredibly lucky to be a part of her story.’

Natalie Mariduena

Natalie Mariduena, 24, is already known to some internet users as David Dobrik’s assistant, and now she’s getting the spotlight all to herself in this summer’s SI Swimsuit Issue.

The Vernon Hills, Illinois native, who is also Head of Brand for the new social app Dispo, is the first rookie to be named for 2021.

‘Natalie is a phenomenon,’ said MJ Day. ‘She is beautiful, kind, intelligent and creative. 

‘Fan after fan circled and approached her during our shoot and she graciously greeted every one of them with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. You immediately get why she has made such an impact on her legions of fans. 

‘Being at the forefront of industry change, Natalie beautifully blurs the line in a world that too often tells women that they have to pick a lane and stay in it. We are proud to celebrate a woman like Natalie, a like-minded individual, who is passionate about seeing the SI Swimsuit message through. 

‘She recognizes the importance of changing the industry, using her following and her notoriety to help others. She has created her own success story through her entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen and relatable mentality.’ 

Haley Kalil

Minnesota native Haley Kalil, 28, is a former Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2010 and Miss Minnesota USA 2014.

But she’s not just a pretty face: She graduated summa cum laude from St. Cloud State University with a degree in medical biology and psychology and volunteered at the local hospital and in an immunology lab during school.

These days, she’s a pro modeling for SI Swimsuit, having made her debut in the magazine’s first-ever casting call in 2018 — where she was named co-winner with Camille Kostek. 

‘Haley possesses the most contagious energy and enthusiasm,’ said MJ Day. ‘Haley has positioned herself as a beauty with brains advocate — unabashedly encouraging women to be equally enthusiastic about academia and science while feeling beautiful and sexy at the same time. 

‘Haley created #NerdHerd, a social media movement for women to showcase the multidimensional nature of womanhood — simultaneously embracing one’s body and one’s mind while still demanding respect. 

Tanaye White

Tanaye White, 29, was one of two winners of the 2020 #SISwimSearch.

In November 2019, the Georgetown University graduate quit her high-powered job at the third largest defense and aerospace agency in the world to try her hand at modeling — and will earned a spot as a rookies in the 2021 issue.   

‘Tanaye is a force to be reckoned with,’ said MJ Day. ‘Beautiful, brilliant, humble, and hardworking, she’s accomplished so much on her own and is a prime example of what can happen when you unapologetically pursue your dreams. 

‘This year will be a game changer for Tanaye as she takes the next step in her modeling career as an official ROOKIE in SI Swimsuit and as an advocate for representation.’

After earning the spot last year, the Southington, Connecticut native gushed to DailyMail.com: ‘My dream really came true and I still can’t believe it!’ 

‘I prayed so hard for this and if anything, this shows working hard and speaking things into existence is the key to achieving anything you desire. I feel like I’m on cloud 9! I never want this feeling to end.’  

Lais Ribeiro

Lais Ribeiro, 30, is one of the handful of models who’ve stunned as both an SI Swimsuit model and a Victoria’s Secret Angel.

Modeling since 2009, she’s walked runways for  Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, and Michael Kors, and was the most sought-after model in 2011 with more than 50 shows in a seingle season. 

‘Lais has an aura of effortlessness around her that acts as a magnetic force, making it difficult to look away,’ said MJ Day. 

‘She is gorgeous, and on top of that, she is an incredibly hard-working mother whose energy brings so much joy to those around her. 

‘She uses her platform to spread awareness around autism and what it’s like to be a mother of an autistic son. If there is one thing we can do as a brand, it’s to empower individuals to speak up for what they are passionate about and Lais uses her reach and influence to do just that.’

Danielle Herrington

SI Swimsuit 2018 cover star Danielle Herrington, 27, is back again for the 2021 issue.

But the Compton, California-born model is doing something a bit different this time around: She is proudly wearing her hair in braids, a protective hairstyle that has long faced racist backlash — and which she hasn’t been able to rock since she was a young teen.

Danielle has evolved into such a powerful woman and is taking ownership of how she wants to be represented,’ said MJ Day. 

‘For this year’s shoot she expressed to us her desire to wear her hair in braids. As an in-demand, constantly-working model, she hasn’t been able to do that since she was 13. 

‘We immediately said yes and she showed up on set as the most confident, vibrant and happiest version of herself! 

‘The industry often dictates how women can present themselves and we wanted to give Danielle a space to choose how she is represented.’

Kate Bock

Kate Bock, 33, was the first 2021 Swimsuit Issue model to be revealed on Instagram at the beginning of the month.

‘This unprecedented year has made me even more grateful for every opportunity in my life with @si_swimsuit right at the top of the list,’ she said on Instagram. ‘I’m dreaming from my apartment in sweatpants of being that girl on the beach right now.’

Speaking to People, Kate said that shooting in Miami this year was a special treat amidst the pandemic.

‘It was such a treat to feel like myself again, being back on a shoot, on set, and on location. We took every precaution and the shoot was great! Now I can’t wait for it to come out!’ she said. 

The model, who is engaged to Kevin Love, also admitted that she doesn’t do much dieting ahead of a shoot.

‘As a model, I sort of always want to feel good in my body, so nothing too significant happens when it’s swimsuit shoot time. I don’t always get much warning! I do my best to eat super clean, get a daily work out in, and drink as much water as possible going into a shoot!’ she said.

Meanwhile, MJ Day praised Kate’s ‘hard work, dedication, consistent dependability, and her desire to show up in any way she can.’ 

‘She’s a prolific collaborator and acts as a sounding board for us because of her longevity with the brand and her industry experience. 

‘Smart and savvy, Kate has parlayed her impeccable taste and business acumen into curating and collaborating with brands as an investor/equity partner and ambassador. After nine years, nothing brings me more joy than seeing Kate go from model to mogul in the making!’

Josephine Skriver

Danish model Josephine Skriver, 27, is another old hat at swimsuit modeling, and also the second Victoria’s Secret Angel to appear in the magazine.

Over the years, she’s walked the runway for Calvin Klein, Rag & Bone, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Yves Saint Lauren, and Prada.

Last year, she was the 2020 SI Swimsuit Rookie of the Year. 

‘It was an incredibly easy decision for us to work again with Josephine, SI Swimsuit’s Rookie of the Year in 2020,’ said MJ Day. 

‘Josephine inspires women, fiercely advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and carries herself like a true professional. 

‘On top of the fact that she can talk a serious football game as one of Raiders Nation’s most passionate superfans, she is a natural beauty with a heart of gold.’