Brevard County Supermodel Kate Upton Named SI Swimsuit 2017 Cover Girl, Once Again
By Zach Clark and Alan Zlotorzynski // February 15, 2017
SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAMER
ABOVE 2016 HOF VIDEO: Although she was born in Michigan, model and actress Kate Upton undoubtedly has Space Coast salt water in her blood. The pedigree of excellence is another component that’s helped make Kate Upton the undeniable success she has become, including appearing on the front cover of Sports Illustrated three times.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – It’s official, 2016 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame’s Kate Upton is set to make her fifth appearance in Sports Illustrated’s 2017 Swimsuit Issue and will be featured on the front cover for the third time in her career.
It will be Kate Upton’s third appearance on the front cover on SI Swimsuit edition which puts her in a 5-way tie for second most covers by a model. The model with the most appearances goes to Elle Macpherson, who was featured on the cover 5-times over the span of her career.
The 24-year-old Kate Upton from Melbourne began her career with SI Swimsuit back in 2011. After an impressive debut, it earned her Sports Illustrated’s coveted Rookie of the Year honor.

She went on to land on the front cover back-to-back years in 2012 and 2013, then featured on a flip-side cover in 2014.
“We didn’t start off with the idea of three covers, regardless of who was on the cover,” said SI Swimsuit editor MJ Day.
“But when Kate was actually shooting, we were trying so many different looks on her and each photo was coming back just as great as the next.
“It’s a full circle moment for us,” MJ continued. “We started Kate in her career, and you know, we watched her grow and become not only this worldwide, superstar phenomenon; she changed the direction of the modeling industry. Kate Upton was really this trailblazer that led the way for the Ashley Grahams of the world and everything you’re seeing happen that’s different in fashion right now.”
Wow, so honored and excited to be back with @SI_Swimsuit in an issue that celebrates beauty and confidence in all shapes & sizes!#siswim17 https://t.co/lSPBtcK5Wo
— Kate Upton (@KateUpton) February 15, 2017
Welcome back, Kate! ? ? https://t.co/w9Lho2Yb7E pic.twitter.com/fwcfhM0f6q
— SI Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 15, 2017
Although born in Michigan, model and actress Kate Upton undoubtedly has Space Coast salt water in her blood.
Upton attended Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in 2010, and just one year later appeared on her first cover of Sports Illustrated.
Kate isn’t just a champion in the Sports Illustrated photoshoots, she is also a famous equestrian champion.
At age 12, Upton was first scouted riding horses.
As a young equestrian, she showed at the American Paint Horse Association and competed at a national level with her horse Roanie Pony.
Upton won three APHA Reserve World Championships and the 13-and-Under Western Riding, 13-and-Under Horsemanship, and 14–18 Western Riding.
She was named the 13-and-Under Reserve All-Around Champion, giving her a total of four reserve championships.
Upton ended up third overall on the APHA youth Top 20. With a second horse, Zipped, she won 14–18 Western Riding and was included in the top five in 14–18 Horsemanship and 14–18 Western Pleasure in 2009.
Kate is also a big advocate for animal adoption. In 2015, Upton hosted the GRAND SLAM ADOPTION EVENT featuring lovable dogs from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services before first pitch at Nationals vs. Tigers spring training game at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
Upton attended the event, helped in giving out the limited edition GRAND SLAM ADOPTION EVENT t-shirts, played with lovable adoptable dogs that were onsite, posed for pictures with them and met attendees who checked out the dogs – some of whom adopted them on site.
Upton was helped by Tigers’ pitcher, and her fiancé, Justin Verlander, who came out to support the adoptable animals and greeted fans.
“I love the work that the Sheriff’s Office does and wanted to do my part to encourage the adoption of these loveable animals who need homes,” said Kate Upton in 2015 at the adoption event.
Upton got involved with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services via her sister, Christie Williams, who works with the shelter.
As an animal lover, Upton has three adopted dogs of her own, and continues to visit the shelter during her trips home to Florida.
With a love for animals, fashion and the big screen, the 24-year-old from Melbourne has made a quick splash in her early career.
THE 2017 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME Banquet and Induction Ceremony will take place at the Cocoa Beach Country Club on Friday, May 12.
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT the 2017 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME, call 321-615-8111 or e-mail MaverickMultimedia@gmail.com
CLICK HERE to see all the members of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.