While the NBA season winds down, Kate Bock is heating things up. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit legend and wife of Miami Heat forward Kevin Love recently set social media ablaze, sharing a series of jaw-dropping swimsuit photos that prove summer is always in session for the supermodel. Captioned simply "In my element," the post quickly captivated her nearly one million Instagram followers.
From Rookie to Legend: A Stellar SI Journey
Bock's connection to the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue runs deep. Her remarkable journey began in 2013 when she was crowned the publication's Rookie of the Year. That initial breakthrough was just the start of a globe-trotting adventure that would see her photographing in exotic locations from Easter Island to Bali, culminating in the ultimate honor: gracing the cover in 2020. She was also recently featured in the prestigious "60th Anniversary Legends" shoot, cementing her status in the magazine's history.
Reflecting on her big break, Bock shared the unforgettable moment she got the life-changing call. "I was in the car with my cousin and sister. I think I started screaming," she recalled. "I had to pull over because I was shaking and didn't know what to do with myself." She described an instant connection with SI Swimsuit editor MJ Day, founded on shared dreams and laughter. "It's been an incredible journey," Bock said. "But finally earning the cover just feels like a huge reward."
A Love Story Written in New York
Beyond the glamour of the lens, Bock's personal life centers on her family with NBA veteran Kevin Love. Their romance began in 2015 with a fateful meeting at New York City's St. Regis Hotel. The couple's love for the city and its culture led them to a storybook wedding in June 2022, exchanging vows at the historic New York Public Library.
"The city is so much a part of our story," Bock told PEOPLE at the time. "Kevin and I are both very curious people and love literature, art, and history and the New York Public Library encompasses all of that in such a romantic setting." She highlighted the venue's "old-school New York glamour" and its poignant proximity to the St. Regis, the site of their first date.
Since saying "I do," their family has grown. The couple has welcomed two children, adding a new and joyful dimension to their lives. With the NBA playoffs determining the Heat's schedule, the family is undoubtedly looking forward to quality time together once the final buzzer sounds on the season.
Always Ready for the Spotlight
While it's not yet known if Bock will appear in a future 2026 edition of the SI Swimsuit Issue, her latest social media drop makes one thing clear: she remains camera-ready. The photos showcase the same confidence and poise that made her a magazine fixture, a testament to a career built on more than just a pretty picture.
Her story is one of hard work, serendipitous meetings, and dreams realized—from a screaming, shaking rookie to a celebrated legend and devoted mother. For Kate Bock, whether she's on a far-flung photoshoot, cheering from the courtside seats at an NBA Finals game, or enjoying family life, she truly seems to be, as her caption declared, forever in her element.
