by The TCU basketball star Hailey van Lith was awarded in 2025 Sports Illustrated Badeanit Digital Cover model, which was photographed by Taylor Ballantyne in the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth in Texas. The 23-year-old, who recently ended her NCAA career as the first player in history, who achieved five elite nights in three schools, recorded the slim aesthetics of the shoot with swimsuits in which her sporty build was emphasized, including a Saint Laurent Bodysuit on the cover.
Van Lith, the Big 12 player of the year, admitted the first reservations for modeling. “I felt intimidated,” she said to Si. “But I knew I would regret trying something new.” The player was designed by Katherine Ann Mellinger (make -up) and Paul Norton (hair) for the shoot.
The Collegiate trip of the Washington inhabitants included stints in Louisville, LSU and TCU, where they provided one-season ratings (663 points) and assist recorde. Her leadership had carried the first appearance in NCAA tournament since 2010 and continued to cement her design shares as a projected WNBA election for the first round. Van Lith also brings Olympic references and earns a bronze medal in 3 × 3 basketball in the 2024 games.
“You can be strong and beautiful,” said Van Lith in the promo video of the campaign and underlines her goal of redefining sporting femininity. Their peak for the modeling reflects the growing trend of athletes of the Nile era such as Angel Reese and Livvy Dunne, who use their platforms beyond sport.
Van Lith concludes a list of athletes, including the gymnast Jordan Chiles and Suni Lee, the Paralympian Ali Truwit, the track stars Anna Hall and Gabby Thomas, surfer Caroline Marks and Golfer Nelly Korda. The problem will be published in May.
Inside Sports Illustrated Bathing suit edition 2024: Launch Party
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Start gallery: Sports illustrated swimsuit fashion show Arrival: Alix Earle, Brooks Nader and more [PHOTOS]
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