Kysre Gondrezick has left her fans in awe with her daring spread for Playboy.
The former WNBA star is making waves in the modeling industry with a provocative photoshoot that has sparked considerable buzz across various social media platforms.
Kysre Rae Gondrezick is carving out a unique path that challenges conventional expectations, demonstrating that the persona of a professional athlete can be diverse and resilient. Despite facing numerous hurdles in her basketball career, both professionally and physically, the 28-year-old has established herself as a prominent cultural icon. Recently, Gondrezick made headlines by breaking barriers in the fashion world through a groundbreaking partnership with Playboy. In late 2025, she was officially crowned Playboy’s Miss June 2025, marking a historic moment as she became both the first active female basketball player and the first Black professional athlete to earn the title of Playmate.
The Transformation of an Image
The photoshoot featured a nostalgic, 1970s-inspired theme, showcasing Gondrezick in a glamorous and empowering environment. Rather than viewing this shift as a departure from her sports background, Gondrezick described it as a natural evolution in her career. She addressed public reactions regarding the photos by asserting that what some might see as a transition, she interprets as growth. She highlighted that she is not distancing herself from her authentic self but is instead creating a multifaceted brand that represents her interests beyond basketball.
Her Basketball Legacy
Gondrezick’s journey in professional basketball has been marked by high expectations and significant achievements. Hailing from Benton Harbor, Michigan, she grew up in a family that celebrated basketball excellence. Her late father, Grant Gondrezick, played for the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers, while her mother, Lisa Harvey, not only won a national championship at Louisiana Tech but also coached her during high school. After starting her college basketball career at Michigan, Gondrezick transferred to West Virginia University, where she became a scoring powerhouse. In her final season as a Mountaineer, she averaged an impressive 19.5 points per game, ultimately being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.
Professional Challenges and Misunderstandings
However, Gondrezick's professional journey has been characterized more by frequent changes than stability. After a rookie season in Indiana that saw limited playing time, she transitioned into free agency before signing with the Chicago Sky. Although she made the team’s opening-day roster in 2024, her time with the Sky was short-lived, as she was released in late June of that year. Throughout these transitions, there has been persistent misinformation about her career history, particularly regarding her never having played for the Phoenix Mercury. Instead, Gondrezick has concentrated on finding the right environment to showcase her unique talents while also pursuing opportunities in fashion and entertainment.
Facing Physical Adversities
Just when it seemed like a new chapter in her basketball story was about to unfold, Gondrezick encountered a major setback. In October 2025, she signed on to compete in the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league for its 2026 season. This league, which kicked off its fifth championship season on February 4, 2026, in Nashville, was intended to be her platform for a competitive comeback. Unfortunately, in mid-January 2026, she announced that she had suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training. This severe injury necessitated surgery and thwarted her plans to participate in the 2026 season. Yet, despite the gravity of the setback, Gondrezick remains determined, declaring that this challenge does not signify the end of her narrative but rather a difficult chapter she is prepared to navigate.
Life Beyond Basketball
Outside the basketball arena, Gondrezick’s personal life and public engagements have kept her in the limelight. Her previous relationship with NBA star Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics drew considerable attention, especially when they appeared together at the 2024 ESPY Awards. However, by early 2025, the couple had parted ways. Since their breakup, Gondrezick has been spotted at prominent events like New York Fashion Week and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, further solidifying her status as a fashion trendsetter.
A Rising Voice in Culture
As she steps into 2026 with a focus on recovery and expanding her brand, Gondrezick embodies a new wave of WNBA players who emphasize personal empowerment and varied career trajectories. Whether through groundbreaking magazine features or her anticipated return to professional basketball, she continues to defy the limited roles often assigned to women in sports. Her journey is still unfolding, fueled by the same discipline that propelled her from a remarkable 72-point game in high school to the pinnacles of professional basketball and the pages of renowned fashion magazines.
