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

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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.

Our 5 Favorite College Football Traditions

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When it comes to college football, it's not just about the game; it's about the traditions that make each school's experience unique. From pregame boatgating to postgame celebrations, here are the top five college football traditions that showcase the heart and soul of sports fandom.

1. Boatgating at Washington Huskies Games

Washington Huskies fans have been arriving at football games via boats for nearly a century, setting the stage for an unforgettable pregame tradition. Known as "boatgating," fans take to the water to relive their spring break memories, complete with ping pong tables, grills, TVs, and plenty to drink. It's a unique way to kick off the football festivities in style.

2. Script Ohio and the Dotting of the 'i' at Ohio State

The Ohio State Marching Band has been dazzling audiences since 1936 with its performance of Script Ohio. This iconic tradition involves band members spelling out the letters of "Ohio" through intricate formations. The highlight? "Dotting the i," where a senior sousaphone player is honored to be the dot atop the 'i.' Even celebrities like Bob Hope and Jack Nicklaus have graced this tradition.

3. In-Game Traditions: The Iowa Wave at Iowa Hawkeyes Games

The Iowa Wave is a heartwarming tradition that shows the power of sports to bring people together. At the end of the first quarter, fans at Iowa Hawkeyes games turn their attention to the nearby Stead Family Children's Hospital, waving to the young patients who watch from its windows. It's a poignant reminder of football's impact beyond the field.

4. In-Game Traditions: Ralphie the Buffalo at the University of Colorado

While many schools have student mascots, the University of Colorado stands out with Ralphie, a live bison. Handled by talented caretakers (who are quite athletic to keep up with Ralphie), Ralphie runs around Folsom Field before each half of Buffalo home games. It's a spectacle that adds extra excitement to the game-day experience.

5. Music During the Game: Enter Sandman at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech fans know how to create seismic energy. As the Hokies take the field, Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blares through the stadium, registering as seismic activity. It's a spine-tingling moment that sets the tone for an electrifying game.

Bonus Tradition: "Jump Around" at the University of Wisconsin

When the third quarter ends at the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium, fans get a workout. The entire stadium jumps in unison to the beat of "Jump Around" by House of Pain. It's a display of Badgers pride that's hard to match.

From boatgating to bison runs and heartfelt waves, these college football traditions define the essence of sports fandom. They showcase the passion, unity, and excitement that make college football games more than just contests; they're experiences filled with rich traditions and cherished memories.

Unveiling Pickleball: America's Fastest-Growing Sport

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It seems you can't throw a rock without hitting a pickleball court. We've done the work so you can join the conversation about one of the fastest-growing sports in America. (Actual pickleball talent, not necessary).

Before we get started, the basics:

1. It's a sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

2. It's played indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.

3. The game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a Wiffle ball.

4. It can be played as doubles or singles; your opponent doesn't have to be the same gender.

1. Pickleball has gone mainstream - major sports brands sell pickleball gear, sponsor players and networks like CBS broadcast games. The New York Times declared pickleball "ready for prime time," Vanity Fair has covered the sport, and the sport was the focus of a comedic primetime special called "Pickled" that aired last year, produced by Stephen Colbert. USA Pickleball Membership had over 69,000 members at the end of 2022, a 30% increase from the previous year. PICKLEDOME

2. Everybody is playing it. They're all picking up a racket from the Kardashians to Melinda Gates, Michael Phelps, Ellen DeGeneres, Jamie Foxx, Owen Wilson, Russell Wilson to Drew Brees. Leonardo DiCaprio plays every day—by his own rules, naturally. His game is "like a free-for-all," one L.A.-based showrunner confided to Vanity Fair. The best pickleball story is about an unsuspecting Pittsburgh mom who ended up playing with members of the Pittsburgh Steelers, including TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. BIG FANS

3. The genesis of pickleball dates back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, WA (near Seattle). Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State and his friends Bill Bell and Barney McCallum came up with the sport because their kids were bored with their usual summertime activities. Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules to the sport today, where it's played by official university pickleball teams, to the National Senior Games, to the Pickleball National Championships with 2,300 registered players. OLYMPICS NEXT?

4. Although a great story, the game is not named after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles. (Pickles wasn't alive in 1965). The sport's name is in reference to the local pickle boat races. Yes, the college crew "Pickle Boats" inspired the game's name, but Joel Pritchard confessed he used to confirm the dog story as a funny newspaper interview hoax. LAUGHING WITH YOU, NOT AT YOU, REPORTERS

5. Some terms to throw around if you're picking up a paddle at one of the 8,500 locations on the USA Pickleball's Places2Play map are similar to what you might hear in tennis, like ace and backhand. Then there's the non-volley zone (NVZ or "The Kitchen"), a seven-foot area on either side of the net where players cannot volley the ball. It includes all lines surrounding the zone. At worst, yell "pickle!" before serving, the universal warning the server shouts to alert players that they are about to serve. TALKING SHOP

If you want more on pickleball, this is an excellent resource or here's a five-minute video that goes over the rules.