Meet the Rookies in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Members of the 2023 rookie class are making their mark with a grand entrance.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by ELSE Lingerie. Chaps by Denimcratic.

With its debut in SI Swimsuit 2023, the annual magazine's rookie class features women from all walks of life and backgrounds. These distinguished and notable rookies include: Ellie Thumann, Jennifer Atilémile, Lauren Chan, Madisin Rian, Mady Dewey, Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, Nicole Williams English and Sixtine.

Ellie Thumann

Social media star Ellie Thumann became a known figure in the industry when she started her YouTube channel, where she posts about her life and all the trials and tribulations that come with it while exploring fashion, beauty and travel. While she has grown her personal brand on various social media platforms, the content creator is no rookie when it comes to modeling. The Phoenix native began her career when she was young, walking in shows with her mom, and has since worked in numerous campaigns for brands including Marc Jacobs, Coach, Kate Spade and more. Now Thumann continues to grow her career across industries and uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness as she has become candid online about her own experiences.

 See more from the 2023 photo shoot for Ellie Thumann here.

Jennifer Atilémile

Jennifer Atilémile was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by belle the label. Pants by Thrifts + Threads.

After putting her modeling career on pause to get her double master's degree, Jennifer Atilémile kicked it off at 25-years-old and found success in doing so. The Australian became a familiar face in the beauty and fashion industry by working with brands like Merit, Maybelline and Clarins. She also made history and became Victoria’s Secret’s first Australian curve model in 2020. After being in the industry for years, Atilémile uses her platform to encourage others to embrace their natural beauty and has called for sustainable efforts to continue in the fashion world.

See more from the 2023 photo shoot for Jennifer Atilémile here.

Lauren Chan

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Ezili Swim.

Lauren Chan is not only a rookie in SI Swimsuit 2023 but is an entrepreneur and former fashion editor. The Toronto native switched gears from sports to fashion and began her modeling career while also writing for publications including Vogue and Interview. Following her time as a writer, Chan began her next adventure as a fashion features editor at Glamour where she was able to shed light on plus-size fashion and designed a collection with Lane Bryant. The size inclusion advocate opted for a role behind the camera when she became the founder and CEO of luxury womenswear brand Henning, where she now serves as the company's head of brand partnerships. 

See more from the 2023 photo shoot for Lauren Chan here.

Madisin Rian

Madisin Rian was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. Earrings by Lele Sadoughi.

Kicking off her career in 2008 after being discovered by Kimora Lee Simmons, Madisin Rian has been the face of a variety of campaigns and has made history along the way. Rian became the first Black woman to be the face of Giorgio Armani Beauty. Since the start of her modeling endeavors, the St. Louis native has been the face for Polo Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Stuart Weitzman and J.Crew. Her signature look was born in 2017 when she chose to shave her head, an action she said was liberating and helped break barriers. Aside from shooting campaigns, Rian is now focusing her efforts on setting up a foundation to bring fresh water to impoverished areas in Africa.

See more from the 2023 photo shoot for Madisin Rian here.

Mady Dewey

Mady Dewey was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by BECCA by Rebecca Virtue. Scarf by Dandy Del Mar. Necklaces by Brinker + Eliza.

As the 2022 SI Swim Search winner, Dewey is back in front of the camera. The Santa Clarita, Calif., native is cohost of the Socially Well podcast, product marketing manager for Discord and is now the founder and CEO of a social media app, Herd. Dewey created the app to cater to women and nonbinary individuals to foster a safe place for users to share without the worry of comparison. Aside from modeling and her tech ventures, she uses her platform to advocate for female founders and hopes to change the culture by increasing accessibility to resources for women in the male-dominated industry.  

See more from the 2023 photo shoot for Mady Dewey here.

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by Akoia Swim. Shrug by Natalia Fedner.

Fitness extraordinaire, Melissa Wood-Tepperberg started her career in the health and wellness space in 2015 with her at-home workouts. Following the pandemic, her empire grew into Melissa Wood Health, a place that focuses on accessibility to all individuals. The Syracuse native is a not only a rookie, but she is also a certified health and wellness coach, an entrepreneur, a yoga and pilates instructor and a mom of two. Continuing with her passion for health and wellness, she began her own podcast, Move With Heart, to continue her mission of using her platform to encourage everyone to be the best version of themselves they can be. 

See more from the 2023 photo shoot for Melissa Wood-Tepperberg here.

Nicole Williams English

Nicole Williams English was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by DU CIEL. Dress by Ezili Swim.

Model, entrepreneur, designer and now mother, Nicole Williams English embarks on adding yet another title to her growing list—SI Swimsuit rookie. The former reality TV star on E! is now the founder of Nia Lynn by Nicole Williams English, a swimwear and lifestyle brand. The Toronto native uses the opportunities she's been given to advocate for the things that matter the most to her including giving back to her community and her love for animals. Williams English is a U.S. celebrity ambassador for World Animal Protection, a global animal welfare nonprofit organization. Following her shoot, she and husband Larry English welcomed their daughter, India Moon, in early January.

See more from the 2023 photo shoot for Nicole Williams English here.

Sixtine

Sixtine was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominica. Swimsuit by NAVY RAY.

Body neutrality influencer, Sixtine, began her modeling career when she moved to New York City at just 18-years-old. Attending NYU's Gallatin School of Individualized Study and balancing the start of her professional career, she has since grown and has appeared for brands including SKIMS, Aerie and Warby Parker. The Brussels born model uses her platform, including TikTok, where she has amassed over 800K followers, to inspire others to embrace their bodies no matter the shape or size through her body inclusive content.

See more from the 2023 photo shoot for Sixtine here.