Nina Cash Debuts as Newest SI Swimsuit Rookie at 57 Years Old

Nina Cash was photographed by Ben Watts in Porto and North of Portugal. Swimsuit top by Natalia Fedner and bottoms by Hunza G.

Introducing Nina Cash, the newest Sports Illustrated Swim rookie!

The publication announced the latest addition to the lineup on Wednesday, Dec. 13, sharing that the co-winner of the 2023 Swim Search will be featured in the 60th anniversary of the magazine's Swim addition come May.

Cash, 57, who retired from her position as a university associate dean after 30 years in education and workforce development, never expected her post-working life to include a new role as a model, but after her husband Aaron snapped a series of photos of her rocking a leopard print bikini while on the beach in Australia, she thought, 'Hey, not bad for a 56-year-old broad who just retired.' Looking back on her brief foray into modeling prior to earning her undergraduate degree in human services, her master’s degree in negotiation, conflict resolution and peace-building, and her doctorate in educational leadership, she submitted an application to Sports Illustrated, earning a spot in the top 24 of this year's Swim Search.

“Nina Cash was a standout from the very first time we saw her Swim Search submission video,” editor in chief MJ Day said. “After being in education for over 30 years, the former Dean decided to take a risk and submit to our annual search as a vehicle to inspire others. Nina is living proof that beauty knows no bounds as she embraces every stage of life with timeless elegance. We're excited to celebrate her enduring allure of confidence and welcome her as a rookie for the 2024 issue.”

She went on to walk the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show during Miami Swim Week with a beach bag that read, “Gone Gray and Still Slay,” her personal mantra and a textual embodiment of "encouragement and support of all women"—something she's "ecstatic" to see SI Swimsuit stand for.

Cash told the publication in her rookie interview that she's proud to be partnering with a brand that "smashes old stereotypes"—such as the idea that gray hair means a woman is past her prime. Especially considering the rookie started going gray at only 26 years old.

“It’s wonderful that SI is helping me and partnering with me to bring a voice to women like myself who otherwise would have thought this never could have happened,” she said. “I just want other women to know that you can achieve your dreams, and it’s never too late.”

Next: Olivia Dunne Returns as Rookie for SI Swimsuit's 60th Anniversary Issue