Yet within the annals of Playboy history, she represents an important archetype: the transition woman. She bridged the gap between the "synthetic 70s" and the "fitness-crazed 80s." Her athletic build foreshadowed the 1980s supermodel (think of Elle Macpherson a decade later), while her outdoorsy, campfire aesthetic was a direct critique of the heavily made-up centerfolds of 1974.
Thomas’s background as a student and her involvement in sports were emphasized in her accompanying text, reinforcing the image of the healthy, athletic American woman. This contrasted with the more bohemian or counter-culture archetypes sometimes found in the late 1960s. She represented a return to order and traditional American vitality, fitting the mood of a nation looking toward a new decade. Nicki Thomas Playmate of the Month for March 1977
: While Nicki was the Playmate, the cover featured Susan Kiger. Yet within the annals of Playboy history, she