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Kysre Gondrezick: First Black Athlete in Playboy's June Issue

11/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Kysre Gondrezick, basketball player, is the first Black professional athlete to appear in Playboy, as Miss June 2025.
The former WNBA player, now a free agent, announced the milestone on Instagram.
Gondrezick played for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky.
She will join the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball roster in 2026.
She plans to balance modeling with basketball ambitions, reflecting a broader trend of athletes diversifying careers.

History

Historical Context

Playboy magazine's cultural impact began in 1971 when Darine Stern became the first Black woman to appear solo on its cover, following earlier milestones by Jennifer Jackson and Jean Bell. This shift reflects a broader trend of Black representation in media, paralleling the careers of athletes like Serena Williams and LeBron James, who have diversified into modeling and entertainment, enhancing visibility for future generations.

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Story summary

Kysre Gondrezick, basketball player, is the first Black professional athlete to appear in Playboy, as Miss June 2025.
The former WNBA player, now a free agent, announced the milestone on Instagram.
Gondrezick played for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky.
She will join the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball roster in 2026.
She plans to balance modeling with basketball ambitions, reflecting a broader trend of athletes diversifying careers.

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