Ellie Thumann Gushes About How SI Swimsuit Helped Her ‘Grow As a Woman’ and Step Out of Her Comfort Zone

The three-time brand star just dropped her fave pics from her 2025 photo shoot in Bermuda on Instagram.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

From her sun-kissed rookie debut in Puerto Rico to striking a pose in the jungles of Mexico, Ellie Thumann’s journey with SI Swimsuit has been nothing short of transformative. Now in her third consecutive year with the franchise, the 23-year-old model is taking a moment to reflect on just how far she’s come.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Lybethras. Socks by Adidas x Wales Bonner. Sneakers by Salomon. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

On May 14, the content creator, best known for her fashion, beauty and lifestyle vlog-style videos on YouTube, shared a stunning Instagram carousel featuring images from her 2025 shoot in Bermuda, captured by photographer Ben Watts. Radiating joy and confidence in every frame, she paired the post with a heartfelt caption that gave fans a glimpse into the emotional growth she’s experienced since first joining the franchise.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Bracelets by Lizzie Fortunato. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

“YEAR 3!!!!! Pinch me I’m dreaming 😎,” she wrote. “Forever grateful for January 2023 and everything that has followed after. My @si_swimsuit family has helped me grow as a woman and challenged me out of my comfort zone in so many beautiful ways. Love you all endlessly!!! LET’S CELEBRATE (and pretend I wasn’t recovering from the flu during this shoot hahaha).”

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

View the post here.

“HOT HOT HOT can’t wait to see u,” Katie Austin commented.

“Hello hotty!,” Penny Lane agreed.

“Fav photos of you ever,” Jena Sims wrote.

“AHHH YESSS,” XANDRA chimed in.

“prettiest human ever,” Toni Breidinger added.

“You are perfect,” Hallie Batchelder declared.

“ELLIE!!!!!!! Yesssss!!!!!!!!,” Lexi Wood exclaimed.

“super model of the world!! 😍😍,” Avery Ovard wrote.

“Ellie!! Most stunning human! ❤️,” Hunter McGrady complimented.

“Couldn’t get more perfect ❤️‍🔥 so freaking proud of you always,” best friend Hannah Meloche gushed.

“Insane!!!!🔥❤️,” Alix Earle stated.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit top by Andi Bagus. Swimsuit bottom by Lybethras. Shorts by KSUBI. Hat by Eugenia Kim. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

The Arizona native and South Carolina resident, who began her career online more than a decade ago, now boasts over 4.4 million followers across platforms. She continues to build a brand centered on authenticity and wellness, and attributes much of her success to staying true to herself and candidly sharing the ups and downs of her teenage years and early 20s.

Thumann is adamant about always keeping it real with fans, often opening up about her journey with anxiety and using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, even amid the whirlwind of glamorous modeling opportunities.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Tropic of C. Necklace by Lele Sadoughi. Bracelet by Lizzie Fortunato. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Her latest post joins a wave of celebratory content from this year’s SI Swimsuit models, following Tuesday’s digital release of the 2025 issue. The four cover stars—Salma Hayek Pinault, Olivia Dunne, Jordan Chiles and Lauren Chan—were officially revealed the same day.

The 2025 SI Swimsuit magazine is available online now and at select newsstands on May 17. Order your copy here.

https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1747144548/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si_swimsuit/01jv4yw6zjqdryam4cnf.jpg. Ellie Thumann Content. https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1747144787/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si_swimsuit/01jv4z3fe96jv15sg7ms.jpg. https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/v1746135944/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/si_swimsuit/01jt6wzwdzf0dd0rwc50.jpg. Her Return to the Fold. View the Full 2025 Gallery. More Ellie Thumann