Danielle Herrington Is the New Sports Illustrated Cover Model

Former Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Tyra Banks was the one to break the news to Herrington. In a video released by the magazine, Tyra told the emotional Herrington before unveiling the cover, “One girl stands before me, but I only have one photo in my hands, and this photo represents the girl that is the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 cover model, Danielle Herrington.”

Herrington, 24, shared with SI after the reveal, “I can't even believe I'm saying this. I am the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model. I can't wait for everyone to see it. I'm emotional, but I just want to say thank you to everyone who believed in me. I put in so much work for this, and I'm feeling very accomplished, happy and excited."

The Compton native shot the cover in Harbour Island, Bahamas, with photographer Ben Watts.

Danielle made her debut in the magazine in 2017. SI Swimsuit editor MJ Day said in a statement, “Last year, Danielle was a rookie, and yet already an exemplary model. She's an extra hard worker and a natural brand ambassador. All those things separately don't guarantee a cover, though. Danielle was a shy girl, who went from taking her first photos last year to showing up this year a completely different person. All the good things about her seemed to be magnified.”

“She owned every single second of her shoot. She had an enthusiasm and effervescence about her — I felt like I was meeting her for the first time,” Day added. “Last year she showed up never expecting to be there; this year she showed up completely claiming her place and status as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model."

Aside from Herrington and Banks, Beyoncé nabbed the SI Swimsuit cover in 2007.

"Extra's" AJ Calloway caught up with Danielle to find out more. Watch!

She even agreed to take our rapid-fire quiz. Check it out!