Kate Upton, daughter of Niles athletic director Jeff Upton has earned the cover of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is was revealed on the “Late Show with David Letterman” Monday night.

The cover was leaked online prior to the airing of the show.

“Shelley and I are very proud to have Kate on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue,” Upton said. “We had the opportunity to be at the taping of David Letterman and didn’t know she was the cover until it was revealed on the show.”

Upton, born in St. Joseph in 1992, was named “Rookie of the Year” in the 2011 issue. She is the niece of U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph.

Although she was born in St. Joseph, Upton was raised in Melbourne, Fla. She competed nationally in the American Paint Horse Association. She won three APHA Reserve World Championships in the 13 and Under Western Riding, as well as 13 and Under Horsemanship and 14-18 Western Riding.

She was named 13 and Under Reserve All-Around Champion giving her five total championships.

In 2008, Upton took part in an open casting call in Miami for Elite Model Management, where she was signed the very same day.

Upton moved to New York, where she signed with IMG Models. She was the face of Guess in 2011.

She has also modeled for Beach Bunny swimwear and Victoria’s Secret.