In a year overflowing with athletic feats, viral moments, and barrier-breaking brilliance, the spotlight rightly belongs to a powerhouse group of women who didn’t just show up—they showed out. Whether it was on hardwood courts, turf fields, tracks, pools, or even global stages, these female athletes didn’t just chase greatness—they tackled it, spiked it, dunked it, and, yes, sometimes did it in glittery cleats or with their baby on their hip. Female Athletes of the Year? More like superheroes with high ponytails and unmatched stat lines.
From record-smashing performances to cultural revolutions, this class of athletes brought swagger, substance, and a whole lot of receipts. They didn’t ask for the spotlight—they demanded it, earned it, and turned it into a runway. This wasn’t just a victory lap for women’s sports—it was a full-on parade.
Let’s start with the headliner of headliners: Caitlin Clark, the human highlight reel and walking three-point cannon. The Iowa basketball phenom didn’t just rewrite the NCAA record books—she lit them on fire and handed the ashes to the doubters. With deep threes that could only be rivaled by Steph Curry and a competitive fire that could melt steel, Clark became must-see TV every time she touched the court. And that was before she became the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Her impact goes far beyond box scores—she turned women’s college basketball into primetime viewing, outselling blueblood men’s programs and filling arenas coast to coast. We’re not saying she could run for governor of Iowa and win…but we’re also not not saying it.
But Clark didn’t carry the banner alone. Enter Angel Reese, who balanced fierce play with unfiltered confidence, proving that trash talk and class can absolutely coexist. The Bayou Barbie didn’t just block shots—she blocked out the noise, becoming a champion for authenticity, Black excellence, and unapologetic self-expression. Whether she was catching lobs or catching heat online, Reese responded the same way: with dominance.
The basketball court wasn’t the only place queens reigned. Over in gymnastics, Simone Biles reminded us all why she’s the GOAT—and not just by flipping, twisting, and soaring like gravity is a mere suggestion. After stepping away from the Tokyo Olympics for her mental health, Biles returned with a vengeance, claiming another world championship and debuting moves so dangerous they might as well be illegal in 47 states. Her comeback wasn’t just a sports story—it was a masterclass in self-care, resilience, and showing up stronger than ever.
Meanwhile, on the track, Sha’Carri Richardson came back from suspension, doubt, and what some called cancellation to become the world’s fastest woman. Her 100-meter win at the World Championships was more than redemption—it was a reminder that you can have bold nails, long lashes, and still smoke the competition like a barbecue pitmaster on a mission. Sha’Carri sprinted with purpose, personality, and power, letting everyone know that speed looks better with style.
Speaking of speed, Katie Ledecky continued her aquatic domination in the pool, winning medals like they were participation trophies and reminding the world that distance swimming is not for the faint of heart—or anyone hoping to keep up with her pace. If there’s a Mount Rushmore of female athletes, Ledecky has already carved out a lane (probably with a gold medal in each hand).
In tennis, Coco Gauff delivered the feel-good story of the year by winning the U.S. Open and becoming the youngest American to do so since Serena. The 19-year-old turned heartbreak into hustle and doubt into dominance, closing out matches with the poise of a seasoned veteran and the celebration of a teen who just aced her final exam. Her tearful thank-you to her critics wasn’t petty—it was poetry.
On the soccer pitch, Alex Morgan continued to be both a thorn in defenders’ sides and a role model for working moms everywhere. Though the U.S. Women’s National Team didn’t bring home another World Cup title, Morgan’s leadership and tenacity proved she’s still one of the most influential figures in the game. She’s become a voice for equality, maternity rights, and better coffee—because even GOATs need caffeine.
Meanwhile, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and a new generation of soccer stars have started to write their own chapters in U.S. women’s soccer history. They’re fast, they’re fearless, and they’re turning every game into a TikTok-worthy highlight package. This isn’t a passing of the torch—it’s a group hug around it, with flames spreading in every direction.
Let’s not forget the softball sluggers, either. Oklahoma’s dominance didn’t just break win streak records—it shattered any remaining myths that women’s college sports can’t drive attendance, television ratings, or national interest. Jordy Bahl, Jayda Coleman, and the Sooners played with power, flair, and just the right amount of “we dare you to beat us” energy. Spoiler: no one really did.
Even in sports that don’t get the primetime love, women athletes stood tall. In wrestling, Helen Maroulis kept her Olympic dreams alive, inspiring young girls to embrace their strength and pin down their goals. In hockey, Hilary Knight continues to lead Team USA and advocate for a sustainable, professional women’s league. And over in golf, Nelly Korda brought elegance and edge, racking up wins with the kind of swing that would make Tiger nod in approval.
What’s remarkable about this year’s group of Female Athletes of the Year is that they represent more than athletic excellence—they represent evolution. They’re changing how sports are viewed, played, funded, and consumed. They’re pushing for equal pay, calling out injustices, demanding better representation, and breaking every glass ceiling within a five-mile radius of a gym.
They’ve also redefined what it means to be an athlete. No longer boxed into being stoic or modest, today’s stars embrace emotion, celebration, and social media swagger. They cry when they win. They tweet when they’re doubted. They start fashion lines, appear in commercials, star in documentaries, and launch non-profits. They’re making money moves and mental health moves, proving that success isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s whatever they decide it looks like.
Yes, there were trophies. Yes, there were medals. Yes, there were championships and MVPs. But more importantly, there were moments—millions of little moments that collectively told a bigger story: that women’s sports aren’t on the rise, they’ve arrived. And they’re not going anywhere.
This year also saw unprecedented growth in NIL deals, brand endorsements, and fan engagement for female athletes. Girls are no longer just dreaming of being like Mike—they’re dreaming of being like Caitlin, Coco, or Sha’Carri. And why shouldn’t they? Today’s heroes look like them, speak like them, and show them it’s possible to win with both grit and glitter.
Perhaps the best part? This doesn’t feel like a peak. It feels like a prelude.
So here’s to the Queens of 2025—who serve, slam, and slay. Who break records and break norms. Who celebrate loudly, lead boldly, and play beautifully. The Female Athletes of the Year didn’t just make history—they made headlines, highlight reels, and hashtags. And if this year was any indication, they’re just getting warmed up.
Long live the queens.