Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez, Jason Mendez / Getty
The ladies of the WNBA will grace the cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and they’re just as fierce and dynamic behind the camera as they are on the court. Free agent Te’a Cooper, Los Angeles Sparks Nneka Ogwumike and New York Liberty star DiDi Richards were among the stunning players featured at the forefront of the upcoming issue that celebrates the WNBA’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and social change outside the arena.
With the picturesque ocean of the US Virgin Islands as their backdrop, the dancers swapped their swimsuits for sleek and sexy black swimsuits during the stunning photo shoot. Cooper shined in a plunging V-cut swimsuit, while Ogwumike showed off his muscular physique in a sexy swimsuit with double crossed straps. Richards donned a bikini giving a glimpse of her toned upper body in a mesh top. WNBA veteran Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm also graced the cover.
“These players not only dominate on the field, but tirelessly lead the charge in speaking out on social justice issues – fighting to racial justice and equality and work together to create lasting change,” Sports Illustrated Editor-in-Chief MJ Daily said on Instagram.
Thea Cooper
During the interview, the former Los Angeles Sparks star welcomed the opportunity to be able to pose for the coveted sports publication.
“It says ‘sport’ but they always looked like models, so I never thought that one day I would be one. It was very rewarding to be a part of that because of the people I was with done,” the 25-year-old said, according to SI swimsuit.
“Everyone’s story was different and just spending time with them, all being in the WNBA as professionals, was overwhelming.”
Cooper added that she hopes to follow in the powerful footsteps of the WNBA giants who came before her and made a significant impact on the league.
“Tthe fact that some players are mothers – just being able to do all that And Being one of the best athletes is an incredible accomplishment. And for people to be able to see it, it’s empowering,” she shared.
While Cooper awaits her next placement on the team, it appears she’s staying pretty busy off the field. The lively Hooper is a brand ambassador for health and wellness company Thorne and it seems she’s already geared up her modeling skills for other fashion gigs. Cooper was recently featured on the cover of Grind nicely.
Nneka Ogwumike
With a WNBA championship under her belt and six All-Star titles, Ogwumike has become an unstoppable force since joining the Sparks in 2012. She was also the No. 1 overall draft pick.
“Women don’t leave people behind,” the 6-foot-2 forward said. “It’s intrinsic. I’m so happy to work in a career where I experience this every day.
The 31-year-old basketball champion has served as president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) since 2016, helping to protect the rights of players and helps them advance their future career goals, but when she’s not busy juggling her many roles, the star said she’s usually eating food or listening to her favorite music.
“I’m a very creative person…I’m Nigerian American, I graduated from Stanford…there’s so much about me that makes me me, and I hope that comes through in this issue, especially for the women who are trying to find their own individual confidence,” Ogwumike added.
Didi Richards
Richards, 23, said she was almost hit by a wave of self-doubt when SI researched this feature.
“It’s been a dream my whole life so it’s crazy to be introduced, especially after my first year in the WNBA, and to be among the other players,” recalls the young athlete. “It was very humiliating. My emotions were everywhere. I was like, “Am I supposed to be here? »
That feeling certainly didn’t last long as the New York Liberty guards quickly accepted the offer with ease, and as you can see in the photo below, Richards had looks for days, modeling sizzling poses for the cover.
Off the field, the Houston, Texas native is also on fire. She landed a few commercial offers and fashion and appears to be active on the NFT market. According to SI swimsuit, the star could even soon launch her own clothing line. Richards said she was inspired to pursue her dreams outside of basketball through the support of the WNBPA.
“I think they do a great job of encouraging us to explore different spaces,” she said, before adding:
“All of this is empowering. I am happy to be able to exploit different spaces in the world and succeed there as I do on the ground.
The full cover of the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue will be released on May 19.
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