Sports Illustrated Model Jena Sims Overwhelmed with Joy as Swimsuit Rookie

Jena Sims, a former pageant winner and top 12 finalist in this year's SI Swim Search, is experiencing a whirlwind of emotions.

Recently, Sports Illustrated announced that Sims, along with Penny Lane, Brittney Nicole, Nina Cash, Sharina Gutierrez, Berkleigh Wright, and Achieng Agutu, will grace the pages of the 2024 issue.

This line-up marks a historic moment for the magazine, as it is the first time all the Swim Search finalists who walked in the annual Swim Week runway show have been included.

Unable to contain her excitement, Sims exclaimed, 'I'm still speechless. It's not easy wrapping your head around achieving my biggest goal in life.'

Filming her audition video a year ago, she never could have anticipated the journey that lay ahead.

Sims recalls her overwhelming reaction when she received the news, bursting into tears of joy while on a Zoom call in Miami, awaiting her hair appointment.

She fondly remembers her emotional response watching the SI Swimsuit announcement video, crying all over again.

But even crying in public couldn't dampen her spirits.

As a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie, Sims had been sworn to secrecy, but she couldn't resist sharing the news with some loved ones.

One of the first people she contacted was her husband, pro golfer Brooks Koepka, who wasted no time in spreading the joy within their household.

The iconic swimsuit issue, which debuted in 1964, has long been a launching pad for renowned models. This year, Sims proudly walked the runway while eight months pregnant, exemplifying the magazine's celebration of diverse beauty.

Being named a rookie and associated with such a powerhouse brand signifies a significant milestone in Sims' career, allowing her to take it to the next level.

Having dedicated countless hours to her work, she looks forward to pursuing her nonprofit events with the Pageant of Hope and continuing her other charitable partnerships.

Sims met her supportive husband, Brooks Koepka, at the 2015 Masters tournament. Their successful relationship thrives on mutual support for each other's dreams and interests.

Although being a pro golfer's wife has its challenges, Sims cherishes the flexibility it offers. They revel in spending quality time together, catching up on their favorite reality TV shows and enjoying casual, chill dates.

With the joy of parenthood also gracing their lives, their son Crew Sims Koepka adds even more happiness to their already fulfilling journey.

This captivating narrative of Sims' rise to becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie will inspire readers with its tale of determination, love, and the pursuit of dreams.