Camille Kostek is proving once again why she is considered a “Legend” in the world of modeling.
The 34-year-old veteran has just given her 1.1 million Instagram followers an exclusive, steamy look behind the curtain of her latest project: a high-fashion safari shoot for the May 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
Marking her ninth consecutive year with the iconic franchise, Kostek traveled to the heart of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Captured by renowned photographer Ruven Afanador, the shoot blends high-octane glamour with the raw, untamed beauty of the African wilderness.
Kostek’s journey with Sports Illustrated is a masterclass in persistence. After winning the brand’s first-ever “Swim Search” open casting call in 2018, she landed a solo cover as a rookie just one year later.
In 2024, she was officially inducted into the elite class of SI Swimsuit Legends.
For the 2026 edition, Kostek is part of a powerhouse lineup that includes fan favorites like Alix Earle, Penny Lane, and Achieng Agutu.
Her behind-the-scenes (BTS) updates revealed a wardrobe that perfectly matches the safari aesthetic:
- The Cheetah Print Power Move: Kostek turned heads in a fierce cheetah-print one-piece paired with daring knee-high boots, a look that mirrored the predators of the delta.
- Safari Chic: A more relaxed, yet equally striking ensemble featured a crisp white bikini top paired with breezy linen pants, ideal for the Botswana heat.
“So happy to be back,” Kostek shared in one of her Instagram stories, showing her feet up in the back of a wildlife truck as she navigated the rugged terrain between shoot locations.
Long before she was a household name in fashion, Kostek was a standout cheerleader for the New England Patriots (2013–2015).
It was during her time with the team that she met her longtime partner, NFL icon and four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski.
The couple, who recently celebrated over a decade together, remains one of the most beloved pairs in sports and entertainment.
While fans frequently speculate about a potential engagement, Kostek recently emphasized that their focus remains on their thriving careers and their shared philanthropic efforts.
- Philanthropy: She works closely with the Pete Frates Family Foundation and the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.
- Business Ventures: Together with Gronkowski, she co-founded Voomerang, a digital platform designed to raise donations for various charities.
Kostek’s influence extends far beyond the pages of a magazine. As a host and actress, she has consistently used her platform to champion body positivity and self-love.
- Television: She was a familiar face as the host of TBS’s Wipeout alongside John Cena and Nicole Byer, a role she held until the show’s conclusion in 2025.
- Design: She has successfully launched collaborations with brands like Dune Jewelry and La Porte Swim, proving her savvy as an entrepreneur.
- Philosophy: Her “Never Not Dancing” mantra has become a viral movement, encouraging fans to embrace joy and movement regardless of their environment.
The upcoming May issue is shaping up to be one of the most diverse and visually stunning in the magazine’s history.
While 2025 saw Kostek posing as a “Snow Queen” in the Swiss Alps, the 2026 Botswana shoot marks a return to the tropical, earthy roots she has often explored in locations like the Dominican Republic and St. Croix.
As part of the Botswana feature, Kostek and her fellow models also participated in a poignant segment titled “Love Letters from Our Future Self,” where they shared advice and reflections on their personal growth within the industry.
For Kostek, this ninth appearance isn’t just another job—it’s a testament to a “rookie mentality” she refuses to lose.
“You’re not promised a spot,” she previously told Page Six. “When you get that call, it’s so relieving and exciting”.