Meet The 7 Trailblazing Women Who Are Shaping The Future Of Sports

Photo: Instagram/dorisburkeknowsshoop

In recent years, women have made their presence felt in sports like never before. Athletes and advocates alike are stepping up to challenge the status quo, pushing for equality, better conditions and prioritizing mental health. From tennis courts to football fields, here are some remarkable women who are transforming the sports world for the better.

1.    The Triumph of Mind Over Matter

Thanks to athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, conversations surrounding mental health in sports have become as common as discussing the score. Osaka's decision to withdraw from tennis to prioritize her well-being as her career ascended and Biles' battle with the "twisties" at the Summer Olympics brought mental health to the forefront. These women remind us that brains are just as important as brawn, and caring for one's mental health is essential.

2.    The Queen of Advocacy - Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King has advocated for women in sports for over five decades. As part of the Original 9, a group of trailblazing women who put their tennis careers on hold to push for equal pay among men and women. She fought for equal pay among men and women in tennis and became the first woman in sports history to win $100,000 in a single year. King's ongoing advocacy work, including her role in the 50th-anniversary celebration of Title IX, inspires women to break through the glass ceiling in sports.

3.    Allyson Felix: A Force for Change

Allyson Felix, the most decorated US track and field athlete in history, used her platform to challenge Nike's treatment of pregnant female athletes. Her departure from Nike for Athleta helped shine a spotlight on the need for better support for female athletes. Felix's advocacy led to policy changes at Nike, ensuring pregnant athletes are no longer penalized.

4.    Nicole Lynn: Breaking Barriers in the NFL

Nicole Lynn shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first black woman to represent a top-five NFL draft pick. Her journey to success included navigating the challenges of motherhood while thriving in the male-dominated world of sports representation. In 2023 alone, she brokered multimillion-dollar deals and continues to inspire women to take their seats at the table.

5.    Doris Burke: A Pioneer in Broadcasting

Doris Burke's groundbreaking career as a full-time NBA TV analyst and game analyst for the NBA Finals on network television paved the way for women in sports broadcasting. In August, ABC announced that Burke would become the first woman to serve as a game analyst on television for a championship final in one of the four major professional US sports leagues. Burke is the first woman awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Basketball Hall of Fame. Burke demonstrates that gender should never hinder success in sports media.

6.    The US Women's National Team: Equal Pay Champions

The US Women's National Soccer Team, with four World Cup titles and six Olympic medals, filed a class-action lawsuit in 2019 for equal pay and working conditions. In February 2022, they reached a historic agreement with US Soccer, ensuring equal pay for friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup. This landmark agreement represents a significant step towards gender equality in sports.

7.    Jen Welter: Leading the Way in Coaching

Dr. Jen Welter broke new ground by becoming the first female coach in the NFL, serving as a linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals. Her trailblazing career opened doors for other women interested in coaching in the male- dominated world of professional football.

These remarkable women are changing the sports world for the better. Their dedication, advocacy and fearless pursuit of equality inspire women everywhere to break down barriers and pursue their dreams in sports.

The Rundown: Weekend Preview Edition – Hotline Bling

Who doesn’t love the holiday season? It offers so many delightful things like a plethora of sports, family and Grandma’s apple pie. It also has its awkward moments such as election talk and rapper Drake wearing a shirt with your face on it.

Started from the bottom now we're here, 

The Last Night’s Game Team

PS - Speaking of apple pie, today’s tailgate treat is like your grandma’s apple pie but in a glass, with alcohol. We’re warming hearts and bellies everywhere. Recipe

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NCAA Football (College)

• About last night. The University of Louisville was sitting pretty at #5 in the college football rankings and their quarterback Lamar Jackson was the front runner in the Heisman Trophy race. Then last night happened. They were blown out by the University of Houston. Jackson all but had the Heisman locked up going into the game, but after his sub-par performance the field is wide open. Find out who’s still in contention for the Heisman. 
• All aboard. ESPN’s College GameDay heads to an unlikely destination on Saturday - Kalamazoo, MI. There they will cover the undefeated Western Michigan Broncos as they take on the Buffalo Bulls. Western Michigan’s coach, 35-year-old P.J. Fleck, is one of the top emerging coaches in the nation. His “Row the Boat” mantra has taken his team from one of the worst in college football to an undefeated one this season.  

NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing)

• Shake and bake. Sunday’s race is the final race of the season therefore the “Sprint Cup Champion” will be crowned. One of the four drivers in contention for the title, Jimmie Johnson, is looking to tie legends Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Richard Petty with his seventh championship. 

MLB (MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL)

• Forever young. MLB announced its 2016 season MVPs yesterday. Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs and Mike Trout of the Los Angles Angels took home the prestigious award. Both of the MVPs are 25 years old or younger. Ahh remember those days?

Overtime

• Canadian rapper Drake is the global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors (NBA – National Basketball Association). During the season the team hosts a “Drake Night.” Drake took advantage of his namesake evening to share his affinity for ESPN reporter Doris Burke. He wore a shirt with her face on it that said “Women Crush Everyday” and then invited her over for dinner, alone. No word from Rihanna if she will chaperone.

Sideline stat

• This is the last year Sprint will be the main sponsor of NASCAR, a partnership that began in 2008. Sprint paid between $50-$75 million a year for the right. NASCAR has yet to name a replacement and is seeking $100 million per year for 10 years. Will they take a check? 

Coaches’ corner

• The Stanford University band has been banned from traveling to away games since May 2015 due to various violations (offensive acts, hazing and violations of alcohol and controlled substances to name a few). There was hope they would be eligible to travel to rival Cal this weekend to support their team with music, but alas the ban remains as not all issues have been resolved. This one time at band camp….