Kysre Gondrezick Makes History with Landmark Playboy Feature as Career Evolves Beyond Basketball

Kysre Gondrezick has entered a new chapter in her career by becoming the first Black professional athlete to be featured in Playboy, a milestone that has generated widespread attention across sports and entertainment circles. The former WNBA guard appears as the brand’s Miss June for the Winter 2025 to 2026 issue, a role that reflects her growing presence in fashion and media.

Gondrezick, who previously played for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, posed for a retro styled photoshoot that highlights both her athletic background and her ongoing creative pursuits. Speaking about her new direction, she noted that her journey is not a departure from her identity but an expansion of it. She described the moment as part of her evolution as a multidimensional brand.

Before stepping into the spotlight of modeling, the Michigan native built a strong college career at Michigan and West Virginia and was selected fourth overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Although her time in the league included limited playing opportunities, her visibility has grown significantly since shifting her focus to acting, creative work and lifestyle projects.

In recent interviews, Gondrezick has said that she is exploring acting classes and film opportunities while continuing to build her public profile. She also hinted at a possible return to the WNBA, stating that her time away from the court feels more like a transition than an ending.

Her announcement as a Playboy centerfold quickly gained momentum online, with fans reacting to images shared from the photoshoot. On social media, she expressed pride in becoming the first Black professional athlete to appear in the magazine, calling it an honor that reflects her commitment to charting her own path.

As the feature circulates globally, Gondrezick finds herself at the intersection of sport, culture and entertainment, embracing a future that blends athletic roots with new creative ambitions.