Nicole Williams English poses with daughter India Moon.Photo: Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Nicole Williams English

Nicole Williams English’sfirstSports Illustratedseason was one she’ll never forget.

When theWAGS LAstar, 39, got the call that she was going to be a 2023 Rookie for the swimwear issue, she was pregnant with her nowdaughter India Moon, 4 months old. “Shooting on the beaches of Dominica while 8 months pregnant felt surreal,” Williams English exclusively tells PEOPLE.

“I’ve wanted to be a Sports Illustrated Rookie my entire career, so when I received the call that I was the first Rookie of 2023 and they also wanted to shoot me pregnant was the ultimate dream come true,” she adds. “I cried a lot!”

“When India gets older, I’m going to tell her all about [the experience] and show her all the photos. I believe the universe aligned it perfectly to make mommy’s lifelong dream happen right when she was in my belly. So it was extra special,” she continues.

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Nicole Williams English poses for her first ‘Sports Illustrated’ season.Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Nicole Williams English

Alongside her pregnancy photos, the model was also given the opportunity to shoot with her newborn daughter for the magazine after she arrived in January. “When India was 6 weeks old, she posed with me for this issue,” says Williams English. “Not only am I pregnant in the magazine, but you also get to see India make her debut!”

In addition to her photoshoot, Williams English teamed up withSports IllustratedSwimsuitfor a new collection of swimwear with her brand NIA LYNN. “I designed 12 suits and also made a limited edition Sports Illustrated Logo Suit that comes in three metallic suits,” she shares.

“I’m so proud of this collection because it is so sentimental to me. To be able to combine my brand withSIat the same time my career goals are unfolding is so exciting!”

Nicole Williams English Shares First Photo of Daughter India: ‘I’ll Never Forget These Moments’

Williams English shares her daughter with her former NFL player husband Larry English, 36. In January, the pair welcomed their daughter withan exclusive statement to PEOPLE.

source: people.com