Brooks Nader Reveals the Story Behind Her First SI Swimsuit Photoshoot

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas.Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Brooks Nader has scored a spot in the SI Swimsuit Issue each year since her debut in 2019, landing the coveted cover of this year’s magazine. Though she has certainly made a splash since that first photoshoot with photographer Yu Tsai in Paradise Island, Bahamas, her entrance into the SI Swim world was hard work.

In 2019, the 27-year-old attended the Swim Search open casting call, waiting for hours for the chance to be featured in that year’s issue. Though not easy, the wait was worth it for Nader.

“It was more empowering to do it through that channel because it was more rewarding whenever I got that yes,” she reflected following her 2023 cover photoshoot. “It was also rewarding because in the modeling industry at that time I was getting a ton of ‘nos’ and [editor in chief] MJ Day gives me a stamp of approval and everyone’s like, ‘Oh my God, now we want to work with you.’”

The model certainly took advantage of that first opportunity, posing among the palms in a white scoop neck one-piece by Monica Hansen Beachwear.

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

But the opportunity taught the growing talent a lesson, too.

“I used to think that being strong is, ‘I can do everything on my own, I don’t need anyone’s help, I’ve got this,’” she said. “But I feel like surrounding [my]self with like-minded people keeps me strong.”

Brooks Nader was photographed by Yu Tsai on Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

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