2024 SI Swimsuit Issue Rookie Brittany Mahomes Is Unapologetically Herself

Brittany Mahomes was photographed by Derek Kettela in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize.Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Former college and pro soccer player Brittany Mahomes has continued to make a name for herself in the sport as co-owner of the Kansas City Current, the NWSL franchise now in its fourth season. The proud mother of two and wife of NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes is adding to her already impressive résumé, as the 28-year-old officially joins the SI Swimsuit family as a rookie for the 2024 issue. 

“Brittany Mahomes is your newest 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie! Owner of the Kansas City Current NWSL team, former pro athlete, wife and mother, Brittany emerges as the epitome of a modern-day powerhouse,” says editor in chief MJ Day. “Founder of the world’s first ever dedicated stadium for women’s sports, Brittany’s journey has surpassed all expectations, inspiring others with her tenacity and unyielding determination. We are proud to welcome her to the SI Swimsuit family where she will undoubtedly continue to empower women worldwide.”

Brittany Mahomes was photographed by Derek Kettela in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize. Swimsuit by Mugler.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

This year, Mahomes hit the beaches of San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize, to work with photographer Derek Kettela for the forthcoming 60th anniversary edition of the magazine, out in May. The opportunity was one that the certified personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur describes as truly unbelievable.

“I never in my wildest dreams thought this would happen,” Mahomes says. “I’m so thankful and honored and so excited to be here with this team.”

While on location in the Central American country, the 2024 SI Swimsuit rookie chatted about her photo shoot, her work in women’s sports, and her inclination to be unapologetically herself, no matter what.

“I’m truly just so humbled”

Mahomes uses the word “gratitude” to sum up her feelings while on set with the SI Swimsuit team.

“I’m truly just so humbled and still in disbelief,” she says of the chance to pose for the publication. “As a girl from Tyler, Texas, who only really knew sports, never in a million years did I think I’d be in [the SI Swimsuit Issue]. I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.”

Brittany Mahomes was photographed by Derek Kettela in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize. Swimsuit by Mugler.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

While posing on the white sand beaches in northern Belize, Mahomes donned a stunning fiery red Mugler one-piece with daring cut-outs all over. By being featured in the 2024 SI Swimsuit Issue and sharing her own story with the world, she hopes that other women will be inspired to reach for their own dreams, no matter what they are.

“I want people to know that they can accomplish anything, even things you never thought would be possible in your wildest dreams,” she says.

“I hope this sets the bar for women’s sports everywhere”

Mahomes played soccer at the University of Texas at Tyler, where she scored 31 career goals, the second-most in program history. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, she then briefly played professionally for UMF Afturelding in Iceland before hanging up her cleats to focus on other professional pursuits, like fitness.

“[My personal training journey] all started when I was playing professional soccer over in Iceland,” she explains of her career trajectory. “I didn’t have a ton to do outside of soccer, so I found myself spending a ton of time in the gym working out, creating workouts, and posting them online. I realized that I was enjoying that so much more than actually playing soccer.”

With her athletic background and the launch of Brittany Lynne Fitness in 2019, it makes sense that several SI Swimsuit models and pro sports stars who came before her have served as major inspiration to Mahomes. 

“I think of all the incredible athletes I’ve grown up watching over the years,” Mahomes says. Athletes like Alex Morgan, Sue Bird and Ronda Rousey have all graced the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. “Just seeing elite athletes go out of their comfort zone [and pose for the magazine] is so inspiring!”

Brittany Mahomes was photographed by Derek Kettela in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize. Swimsuit by Mugler.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

As an executive member of the Current, Mahomes was instrumental in bringing the NWSL back to the K.C. area after FC Kansas City ceased operations in 2017. During its first three seasons, the Current held its home games at Legends Field and Children’s Mercy Park. But this year, the franchise will have its own venue, CPKC Stadium, the first purpose-built stadium used exclusively for women’s professional soccer. The project has been in the works for years, and Mahomes is proud to be involved in setting a standard in women’s soccer and women’s sports moving forward. 

“These women deserve to feel important and have their own facility so that they can perform at their best,” Mahomes says. “I hope this sets the bar for women’s sports everywhere and other cities continue to build around women’s sports. Just like young boys get to dream of playing football at stadiums like Arrowhead, I want young girls everywhere to aspire to play at stadiums like CPKC.”

“I am unapologetically always myself”

Mahomes has been a staple on the Chiefs sideline ever since Patrick joined the team as the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. The couple have been together since they started dating as teenagers at Whitehouse High School, and got engaged in September 2020. They tied the knot in March 2022 and are proud parents to almost-3-year-old daughter Sterling Skye and 1-year-old son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon.

Despite the spotlight she’s under, both from the media and NFL fans, Mahomes remains steadfast in her authenticity. She chooses to focus on her family (she says motherhood is the “best thing that’s ever happened” to her) and her personal well-being.

Brittany Mahomes was photographed by Derek Kettela in San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Belize. Swimsuit by Mugler.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Mahomes feels a strong connection with SI Swimsuit’s mission, describing herself as “unapologetically always myself in any setting.” She passionately advocates for women to embrace self-love, confidence and authenticity. She eloquently states, “I want women to feel empowered to always be yourself, love yourself and feel confident in whatever you do, and I think SI Swimsuit does, too.”

“Be confident in who you are and be unapologetically yourself,” she says. “People are going to love you or hate you, but finding your values and what makes you ‘you’ to be the best version of yourself is what really matters. Whether that’s health and wellness, being a great wife or mom, or career goals, being the best version of you is the most important thing you can be.”

While she has plenty on her plate these days, Mahomes reminds us that at the end of the day, being the best version of yourself is what matters most.

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