We all remember supermodel Kathy Ireland gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated‘s annual swimsuit issue. But with her modeling days behind her, the Glendale native has found success as an entrepreneur and author, not to mention as a wife, mother, and Sunday school teacher. 

Ireland, 46, is Chief Designer and CEO of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, and her sixth book, Real Solutions: 52 God-Inspired Messages from My Heart, hit stores this past November.  The busy mom also found time to be a contestant recently on Dancing with the Stars. She also found time to throw out a ceremonial first pitch during one of the final days of the 2009 season. Here’s a short Q&A from that visit:

You grew up in nearby Glendale, so have you been coming to Dodger Stadium since you were a little kid?

My very first Dodger game, I was 10 years old. I love the Dodgers. My dad told me we were going shopping to buy a vacuum cleaner, but I had to bring my baseball hat. I was like, “Okay…” He surprised me and we pulled up at Dodger Stadium and I’ll never forget it. It’s such a special place, so many great memories.

Do you have any favorite players?

Well, I’m wearing number 42 for Jackie Robinson. What a hero. An amazing man of perseverance and I get such an inspiration from him. I just admire the athletes, they are so tough and so talented. The Dodgers are the best. They are my favorite team and it’s just a dream to be here.

You recently released a new book in November. What can you tell us about it? 

I currently have a book out that’s called Real Solutions for Busy Moms: A Guide to Success and Sanity. And then on November 24^th we released a devotional, and it’s called Real Solutions: 52 God-Inspired Messages from My Heart. I need a lot of encouragement sometimes just to get going in the day, and that’s what it’s about.  It’s sharing that inspiration, that encouragement with others.