Melissa Wood-Tepperberg Embraces Nature for the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue

The rookie model posed along the seas of Dominica.

Melissa Wood-TepperbergYu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg traveled to the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica for her rookie SI Swimsuit photo shoot with photographer Yu Tsai.

View Melissa Wood-Tepperberg’s entire 2023 gallery here.

The MWH founder made a splash in the 2023 issue with her custom suit by NATASHA TONIC. The look was inspired by the natural location and was created using seashells, starfish and sea sponge.

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by NATASHA TONIC. 

“It feels so beyond incredible to be a Sports Illustrated rookie,” says Wood-Tepperberg of her rookie photo shoot. “I can’t fully believe it, but then I can believe it because I’m here and I’m doing it, and it just feels phenomenal.”

She calls her day on set both wild and magical.

“Being with Yu Tsai and MJ [Day, SI Swimsuit editor in chief] and the entire team, I have to say that I felt so entirely supported throughout every single step of the way,” she says. “It’s like working with a well-oiled machine, and I just felt like I was able to fully be myself and bring forward the real me in the most effortless way with incredible direction.”

Wood-Tepperberg has spent years building her brand as a fitness leader. The Syracuse, N.Y., native created her health and wellness app, MWH, in order to make health and wellness accessible to all. In addition to being a certified health and wellness coach, entrepreneur and fitness instructor, the mom of two is also host of the Move With Heart podcast.

View Melissa Wood-Tepperberg’s entire 2023 gallery here.

Learn more about all of the women featured in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue.

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