“They’re like puppies underwater" - When Justin Verlander's wife Kate Upton discussed swimming with sharks

Justin Verlander's girlfriend Kate Upton is a fearless individual who likes adventures even if it means getting into shark-infested waters for a swim. Recalling the same, especially about her photo from New Year's Eve where she was captured in diving gear for a shark expedition, Upton referred to docile sharks as "underwater puppies" in an interview with Marie Claire in May 2015.

"They’re like puppies underwater," she said.

"Anytime there's doubt or someone says I can't do something, I always accomplish it. Haters and doubters are very, very good motivation," Upton added about her fearless and adventurous nature.

Now it seems she wants to implant that same approach towards life in her daughter.

The four-time Sports Illustrated cover model is the mother of Genevieve “Vivi” Upton Verlander, who was born on Nov. 7, 2018. Every parent is responsible for helping their children navigate uncharted territories. Upton has played a big role in Vivi's upbringing, guiding her through various adventures, only to find her daughter emerging "fearless."

On May 8, 2021, Upton posted a photo on Instagram in which she mentioned helping Vivi get comfortable swimming in shark-infested waters. In the photo, both the mother-daughter duo was wearing wide-brimmed straw hats for sun protection.

In another photo, Upton is holding Vivi while descending into the water, which contains visible sharks (likely nurse sharks, known for being docile and safe to swim within such controlled environments).

"Officially crossed swimming with pigs & sharks off Vivi’s bucket list! ...okay maybe she doesn’t have a bucket list. But she was fearless and loved it! 🦈💕" Upton wrote in the caption.

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Kate Upton once shared story on how Justin Verlander arrived with the name "Genevieve"

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander and Kate Upton gave their daughter a unique name. Genevieve, which has French and Celtic origins, is not a common name and carries meanings associated with nobility and purity.

During an interview with Extra in January 2019, Upton revealed behind the scenes process at the hospital on how they arrived to the name.

“We were going back and forth even in the hospital,” she said.

“He knew that Genevieve was my favorite, so I just left him to fill out the paperwork. I was like, ‘I can’t deal with that right now,’” she added.

In a separate interview with "Today with Hoda & Jenna" in Nov. 2020, Upton revealed how the arrival of Vivi changed her perspective on life.

“Everything I do is for her," Upton said. "Wanting to make the world better for her. Wanting to be better for her. Wanting to be with her more.”

Vivi is now almost six years old but her parents have ensured to keep privacy.