5 Photos That Explain Why Jasmine Sanders Won Rookie of the Year Honors

The model and influencer earned the title after her SI Swimsuit photo shoot in Costa Rica.

Cara O’Bleness | Feb 9, 2024

Jasmine Sanders was photographed by James Macari in Costa Rica.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

The first year Jasmine Sanders posed for the SI Swimsuit Issue, she earned Rookie of the Year honors after a stunning photo shoot with James Macari in Costa Rica. She returned to the fold the following year, and landed one of three covers of the 2020 magazine.

A member of the SI Swimsuit family ever since, the 32-year-old German-born model has traveled to Bali, Tampa, Fla., Belize and Puerto Rico with the magazine. The Southern California native has been modeling since the age of 13, and has worked with high-fashion brands like Victoria’s Secret, Savage X Fenty, DKNY and Moschino.

At the time of her Rookie of the Year victory, editor in chief MJ Day really summed things up about Sanders with the following:

“The thing about Jasmine is that there is an instant connection to her when you meet her,” Day said. “Regardless of if it is in person or at an event or across all of the SI Swimsuits platforms, you are immediately drawn to her. She is the most warm and authentic human being. The beauty inside matches the beauty outside. Jasmine’s professional dedication is impressive as well. She shows up for this brand in an exemplary fashion. She takes being a part of the SI Swimsuit franchise very seriously. She is effortlessly chic, whip smart, humble, engaging and a pleasure to be around.”

Today, we’re throwing it back to a few of our favorite pics from the SI Swimsuit photo shoot that started it all.

Jasmine Sanders — James Macari/Sports Illustrated

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Published Feb 9, 2024

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara O’Bleness is a writer and editor on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Prior to joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, O’Bleness loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Journalism.