Beyond the nine models who traveled to the Fort Myers area for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit special issue, three elite athletes also made the journey to Florida for the photoshoot.
Sophie Cunningham, a 6’1″ standout player for the Indiana Fever, who recently re-signed for the 2026 season, is known for her three-point shooting prowess, her long legs, and her glamorous social media presence.
Napheesa Collier, also 6’1″, is a forward for the Minnesota Lynx. She was named the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, is a mother, and serves as the vice president of the WNBPA executive committee, the union for WNBA players.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden is a five-time world sprint champion in athletics, an Olympic gold and bronze medalist, and the world record holder in the 100 meters with a time of 10.61 seconds.
English Translation and Paraphrasing:
The 2026 edition of Sports Illustrated’s highly anticipated swimsuit special features not only nine professional models but also three prominent athletes. These accomplished women traveled to the Fort Myers region in Florida to participate in the exclusive photoshoot.
Among them is Sophie Cunningham, a 6-foot-1-inch basketball player for the Indiana Fever. Having recently committed to the 2026 season, Cunningham is celebrated for her exceptional three-point shooting skills, her striking long legs, and her captivating presence on social media.
Joining her is Napheesa Collier, also 6-foot-1-inch, who plays as a forward for the Minnesota Lynx. Collier has earned recognition as the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. In addition to her athletic achievements, she is a mother and holds the position of vice president on the WNBPA executive committee, representing the interests of WNBA players.
The lineup also includes Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, a distinguished track and field athlete. Jefferson-Wooden is a five-time world champion in sprinting, a recipient of Olympic gold and bronze medals, and holds the world record for the 100-meter dash with an impressive time of 10.61 seconds.
English Translation:
In addition to the nine models who traveled to the Fort Myers region for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit special issue, three high-profile athletes also made the trip to Florida for the photoshoot.
Indiana Fever star player Sophie Cunningham, 6’1″, who has re-signed for the 2026 season, is known for her three-point accuracy, her long legs, and her glamorous social media videos.
Napheesa Collier, also 6’1″, is a forward for the Minnesota Lynx, the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, a mother, and vice president of the WNBPA executive committee, the union for WNBA players.
Melissa Jefferson-Wooden is a five-time world sprint champion in athletics, an Olympic gold and bronze medalist, and the world record holder in the 100 meters with a time of 10.61 seconds.
