SI Swimsuit model Haley Kalil says people are shocked by her science degree

The Minnesota native made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in 2018 after participating in the franchise’s first-ever open casting call. She was named the co-winner alongside Camille Kostek. This year, she’s back for the upcoming issue which is slated to drop sometime this summer.

Before Kalil made her modeling debut, she was already making a splash in the science world. She graduated summa cum laude from St. Cloud State University with a 4.0 in biomedical sciences and psychology with a minor in chemistry. The 28-year-old also published award-winning immunological research and worked with numerous local science programs to encourage young women to pursue STEM fields. Now, she’s launching The Nerd Herd, an organization that aims to empower women to love their bodies while pursuing STEM studies.

Kalil spoke about appearing in SI Swimsuit for the fourth time, the moment she nearly gave up her career, and how she deals with stereotypes.

“Honestly, I still can’t believe it. It seems like just yesterday that I was making a video for them in hopes that I’ll ever be considered. I never dreamed that I would be shooting my fourth spread for them. It’s mind-blowing. I’m honestly honored.

I’m honored because this is how I got my start in modeling. Swim Search was my first access to the modeling world. And it has allowed me to inspire so many other women to celebrate their bodies. And I’m repping all the ginger nerds out there *laughs*. But really, representation is everything. It’s one of the real reasons I wanted to be a part of Sports Illustrated because they were one of the first major fashion publications where I saw a redhead for the first time. And I thought, "Wow, everyone teases me at school for being a redhead. Here’s this model who’s beautiful and also a redhead." I felt I could be beautiful, too.

So for me, it’s all about being that representation for someone else. I hope someone can look at me and go, "I see myself in her." That’s really my ultimate goal with every single year that I shoot with SI.”

Link to story: https://bikininewsdaily.com/bnd/SISwimsuitmodelHaleyKali-2122