She’s travelled and wowed the world for almost a decade working as a model, journalist and avid golfer, yet there’s so much more to know about this American beauty…
Great shoot, Katie. What’s your favourite thing about it?
Shooting at White Pearl Resort in Mozambique with an incredible team. Africa has a really special place in my heart and being able to shoot for a publication I’ve dreamed of since I was young — and in my favorite place on earth — was all very full circle.
What do you do when you’re not posing for MAXIM?
I’m definitely on a golf course. I started playing when I was young and just picked it back up about five years ago while working in South Africa. I had a lot of free time and the courses there are second to none.
Tell us a bit about yourself and life story so far.
I signed my first modeling contract at 14 working throughout school. Later, I won Miss Missouri U.S.A. and went on to compete at Miss U.S.A.. My parents, thankfully, forced me to attend university before working full time overseas. I’m very grateful for this decision because, as we all know, modeling doesn’t last forever and now I have the comfort of an education once I decide to move onto the next chapter of life.
What did you study?
I was proud to graduate from Saint Louis University with honours and a degree in Journalism before embarking on my modelling career in Greece, Milan, Stockholm and South Africa, for a decade now. Recently, I rediscovered my love of golf and have since been breaking into the golf world, playing in celebrity Pro Ams, covering courses all over the world and promoting product endorsements.
What is your best asset?
Kindness. I’ve always prided myself on one thing – after a person meets me, if they leave feeling only one thing, I hope it’s “Wow, she’s so nice.” My dad gave me pretty good legs, too – thanks, Dad!
When do you feel sexy?
When I’m at the beach in a bikini – the ocean is easily my happiest place on earth and when I’m happy and laughing in the sun, I feel sexy.
When was the last time you LOL?
I laugh hard every day, mainly because I’m blessed with really funny friends. But the other day someone asked me to workout – I laughed out loud.
What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life?
Throwing the first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals MLB game. The ball slipped out of my hand and almost went to first base. It aired on ESPN’s Not Top 10 along with Obama and 50 Cent. My dad, a former professional athlete, was at the game and mortified.
How can a guy win you over?
By being sweet, fun and loyal. At the end of the day, I just want to be with someone who is my best friend, who I can laugh and have a drink with and have each other’s back.
Describe your perfect date?
I love sports – so you can never go wrong with a hockey or basketball game. I love to play golf and be outdoors, too – I much prefer a day on the course, drinking beer and laughing at bad shots than an awkward dinner date interview.
What do you find sexy in a man?
Loyalty. It’s all too rare in today’s world, especially nowadays with social media. Also, I love a guy in nice suit or golf attire.
What’s one thing a guy should always remember about women?
We are actually quite easygoing – send us a quick good morning and goodnight text and we’ll be in a great mood all day.
Best piece of advice you’ve had?
Wait to marry the one you can’t imagine living a day without.
If I could spend a day with anyone in the world who would it be?
Nelson Mandela. He is a global advocate for human rights who brought peace and social injustice not only to South Africa but around the world.
Where do you want to be in five years?
Married with a happy, healthy family and a career I love that challenges me while still travelling the world. Once I have found the happy medium of both is when I feel I will be totally fulfilled. All too often, I feel people give up their dreams for someone causing unsettled resentment in the future. Alternatively, having an amazing career with no one to share with is equally disheartening. Being fortunate enough to have both is a true blessing. ■
STATUS UPDATE
FULL NAME: Katie Kearney
BORN: July 5
HOMETOWN: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
LIVES: Chicago, U.S.A. / Cape Town, South Africa
FIVE-WORD SELD-DESCRIPTION: “Kind, brave, driven, introvert and blonde.”
PHOBIA: “Squirrels.”
GO-TO DRINK: “Wine.”
FAVOURITE MOVIE: “Step Brothers. I can watch it 50 times and still die laughing.”
FAVOURITE SONG: “‘Africa’ by Toto – it’s my karaoke song.”
BEDTIME ATTIRE: “Nothing.”
LIFE MOTTO: “Work hard, be kind.”
INSTAGRAM: @katiekearney
SNAPCHAT: @katiekearneyyy
TWITTER: @katiekearney_
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROCKY BATCHELOR
PRODUCED AND STYLED BY BELINDA ROELOFS
INTERVIEW SANTI PINTADO
HAIR & MAKE-UP BY SIMMY CARR
SWIMWEAR BY MARY HOLLAND LINGERIE
VIDEOGRAPHY BY ALEX SCAPENS
LOCATION WHITE PEARL RESORTS, MOZAMBIQUE, AFRICA
For the full article grab the January 2020 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
