As the year draws to a close, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is looking back at defining moments from its latest issue—and one image featuring Jena Sims has emerged as a fan favorite. The publication shared what it called one of Sims’ “best” photos from her SI Swim run, highlighting a golden-hour shot that underscores the confidence and athleticism that helped earn her Rookie of the Year honors. Sims, who is married to professional golfer Brooks Koepka, capped a milestone year with the recognition.
“From a fearless debut to a Rookie of the Year win, Jena Sims has had some unforgettable SI Swimsuit highlights so far,” the brand wrote while revisiting the image on social media. The year-end post also pointed readers to a curated gallery of moments the magazine deemed her standouts.
A breakthrough year with SI Swimsuit
Sims’ rise within the SI Swim universe has been anything but overnight. The Georgia native applied to the brand’s Swim Search three consecutive years before earning finalist status in 2023—while pregnant with her son, Crew. That debut resonated widely, setting the stage for a Rookie season that balanced fashion, fitness, and personal storytelling. The highlighted image—shot in warm, late-day light—became emblematic of that journey. Alongside it, SI Swim revisited a dozen additional moments from Sims’ shoots and runway appearances, celebrating versatility across locations and formats.
Bermuda, Miami, and a signature aesthetic
Among the revisited highlights were images captured in Bermuda by acclaimed photographer Ben Watts, as well as runway stills from Miami. Together, they showcased a range that moved seamlessly from editorial elegance to live fashion presentation. SI Swimsuit praised the arc of Sims’ year, noting how her work reflected “intention, inclusivity and confidence.” That emphasis aligns with Sims’ broader public profile, which includes philanthropy and advocacy alongside modeling.
Beyond the photos
Away from the camera, Sims has remained a familiar presence in sports circles, frequently supporting Koepka at major tournaments. Her visibility increased further this year as Koepka announced plans to leave LIV Golf, keeping the couple in the sports news cycle. For SI Swimsuit, however, the year-end reflection focused squarely on Sims’ individual accomplishments. The Rookie of the Year honor placed her among a select group of first-time contributors who made an immediate impact on the brand.
Looking ahead
As SI Swimsuit turns the page to a new year, Sims’ trajectory suggests continued involvement with the publication and beyond. The year-end spotlight serves not just as a recap, but as a signal of momentum. For now, the magazine’s choice to revisit her standout image offers a fitting close to a year that elevated Sims from Swim Search finalist to one of SI Swimsuit’s most talked-about new faces.
