Ever since Kate Upton danced to Cali Swag District's Teach Me How To Dougie at a Los Angeles Clipper's game in 2011, the model's popularity boomed.

However, the 21-year-old is also known for her Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers. She's appeared on the magazine's cover for the first time in February 2012 and then again in 2013. She's also graced the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and GQ. When she's not on photo shoots, the 5-foot-10 model doesn't want her modeling career to dictate her life.

Kate Upton Dissed By Victoria's Secret

"After my first Sports Illustrated cover, I felt terrible about myself for a solid month," Upton told Elle in the August 2013 issue. "Every single guy I met was either married or about to be married, and I felt like I was their bachelor present or something. I'm not a toy, I'm a human. I'm not here to be used. I am a grown woman, and you need to figure your shit out."

Upton, who will receive the Model of the Year award at the 10th annual Style Awards on Sept. 14, also doesn't want to be taken advantage of.

Kate Upton Bikini Photo

"People deal with models like they are children," Upton told the magazine. "They think they can pull one over on you. It's actually funny. I'm always like, I'm about to pull something on you, and you're so focused on thinking I'm dumb you're not even going to know."

Scroll through our gallery to see some of Upton's stunning photos.

Tags
Kate Upton