Hannah Davis -- Jete-ing Her Way Onto S.I.'s New Swimsuit Cover (TMZ TV)

Long before Hannah Davis scored the S.I. Swimsuit Issue cover or hooked up with Derek Jeter -- she had to overcome a horribly awkward phase ... or so she says.

Hannah’s beyond perfect now, and that's the ONLY reason she's on the S.I. cover. It has NOTHING to do with Jeter ... at all.