Sports Illustrated sure knows how to throw a fete. In the week since the 50th anniversary swimsuit issue dropped, the swimsmoke community hasn’t stopped promoting or partying. The 50th issue is so monumental, the occasion even called for Kate Upton to finally fire up her own Instagram account. It's that big of a deal.
The only thing that could tear the ladies away from promotional activities was a contest that tests the strength, endurance, and chest support of their bikinis: beach volleyball.
The SI swimsmoke beach volleyball game was strictly business, with none of the latent eroticism of Top Gun's legendary match. Aside from the eventual MVP, the breakout star in the day's game was SI rookie Samantha Hoopes. Fight On, State.
Her moves, of both the volleyball and non-volleyball variety, reveal her championship pedigree. But mainly Samantha gets props for playing beach volleyball in those bad heels.
I can see why SI relegated Kate to the back cover, she's an equestrian. Unless she returns to the Heavens, 36-27-36 does not contribute to a high vertical. So in her stead, Nina Agdal's number was called.
Nina played admirably, paying more attention to the game than her teammate.
Nina came up just a bit short in the end. Losers were covered in sand, which made the spectators the real winners.
The final match was made up of rookies, one of whom was Hannah Ferguson, my pick for rookie of the year.
Unfortunately, she lost to a team that included fellow SI newbie Lily Aldridge. Volleyball skills are how Victoria's Secret selects their angels (which is why Kate Upton has yet to receive an invite). Lily must get a lot of practice serve-receive playing with Karlie Kloss.
You could tell by her flawless serving form that Lily's teammate Gigi Hadid was the one who carried the team.
With Lily as setter and Gigi racking up ace after ace, the rookies took home the trophy.
Gigi was awarded the MVP for her efforts.
That seems about right.
