Swimsuit

The Strong and Talented DiDi Richards Made a Statement in These 7 Photos From St. Thomas

The professional basketball player joined fellow athletes for a 2022 SI Swimsuit photoshoot in the tropical locale.

Martha Zaytoun

DiDi Richards poses in a black one-piece and full moody glam on the edge of a pool.

DiDi Richards was photographed by Laretta Houston in St. Thomas.

Fresh out of college and with one season in the WNBA under her belt, American basketball player DiDi Richards joined a cast of five different athletes on the set of her 2022 SI Swimsuit photoshoot. The now 24-year-old traveled to St. Thomas for her feature with photographer Laretta Houston.

On the whole, the experience was incredible. Not only did the athlete have the chance to see her fellow players—the ones she looked up to—“in a new light,” but she had a chance to see herself in a new light, too. The whole crew “made me feel so comfortable,” Richards said of the experience. “It was so easy.”

But, more importantly, the photoshoot “was empowering, more so, to... step so far out of my comfort zone,” she explained. She was already used to the spotlight, thanks to professional basketball, but this stage was certainly a different experience.

Nonetheless, Richards made the most of it, rocking a series of black swimsuits on the white sand beaches and in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean destination.

These days, Richards is continuing her professional basketball career in Australia. This past fall, she started her stint with the Sydney Flames, a program that is part of Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League.

And while we’re big fans of her on-court play, today, we’re throwing it back to her display of off-court talent in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Here are a few of the stunning photos from the trip.

DiDi Richards poses in front of the vibrant blue ocean in a black knit bikini.

DiDi Richards was photographed by Laretta Houston in St. Thomas. Swimsuit by Akoia Swim. Earrings by SOKO. Body chain by SOKO.

DiDI Richards sits on a wooden dock in a black triangle bikini and a long-sleeved mesh top.

DiDi Richards was photographed by Laretta Houston in St. Thomas. Swimsuit by Sami Miro Vintage. Top by Gabriela Pires Beachwear. Earrings by Eklexic.

DiDi Richards stands in front of the ocean in a long-sleeved latex top and a pair of string bikini bottoms.

DiDi Richards was photographed by Laretta Houston in St. Thomas. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Earrings by Eklexic.

DiDi Richards sits in the incoming tide in a black latex top and a pair of black string bottoms.

DiDi Richards was photographed by Laretta Houston in St. Thomas. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Earrings by Eklexic.

DiDi Richards leans on the metal railing of a boat in a black bikini and mesh top.

DiDi Richards was photographed by Laretta Houston in St. Thomas. Swimsuit by Sami Miro Vintage. Top by Gabriela Pires Beachwear. Earrings by Eklexic.

DiDi Richards poses in front of the ocean in a strapless black top and string bikini bottoms.

DiDi Richards was photographed by Laretta Houston in St. Thomas. Swimsuit by Suki Cohen. Earrings by SOKO.

DiDi Richards lounges in a pool in front of the ocean in a one-piece swimsuit.

DiDi Richards was photographed by Laretta Houston in St. Thomas. Swimsuit by Heidi Fish. Earrings by SOKO.

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Martha Zaytoun

MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a Lifestyle & Trending News writer for SI Swimsuit. Before joining the team, Martha worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Martha loves to watercolor and oil paint, run or water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.