A former college volleyball player Kayla Simmons is attempting to get into next year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has opened up its casting calls to anyone with a social media profile in recent years.

Kayla Simmons, a former college volleyball player at Marshall, is attempting to get in next year’s issue. The volleyball player-turned-model submitted her application this week.

“Being a former college athlete & growing up around sports has taught me to push myself to the limit. So here I am, chasing my @si_swimsuit dream!” she wrote.

“College athletics was a great experience for me, but it also taught me some valuable lessons. I was told by my school administrators that the pictures I post are inappropriate because of my body, I was even asked to delete my Instagram at one point. I was torn bc I felt I couldn’t embrace my body & play the sport I love. I’ve since learned that you can’t let other people affect how you feel about yourself. I am who I am, & it’s okay to be confident!”

“It’s my dream to be a part of the SI family. The women on the pages EMPOWER other women. We need more of that!!! @si_swimsuit @mj_day & the rest of the team, thank you for this opportunity! “

Link to story: https://bikininewsdaily.com/bnd/Aformercollegevolleyball-531