For centuries, people overlooked women’s participation in athletic activities.
Pioneers like Serena Williams, Lindsey Vonn, Billie Jean King and others paved the way for women’s sports. These brave athletes stepped into critical environments and stood up against criticism, earning the recognition they long deserved. While doing so challenged their faith and resilience, they ultimately gained widespread attention and respect.
The athletic world celebrated their triumphs as women continued to set records and earn first-time achievements. Whether on television or in packed stadiums, representation for young girls and teens became increasingly visible and meaningful.
Women in college sports experienced athletics from a new perspective. Each athlete sought something different—whether recognition, self-improvement or competition—but all found something to strive for and celebrate.
While these well-known female athletes set the standard high, female college athletes balance books and sports to get on their level. Samantha Dizon, a junior majoring in International Marketing, said that “being a female in college athlete sports is hard to balance while traveling and practicing but very worth it.”
When asked about her motivational figures, she reminisced indulging in female athletes like Annika Sorenstam and the William sisters from tennis. “It was insane watching Annika shoot a 59 and being the only girl to do it.”
Another athlete a female golfer Jing Xuen once said in her interview to “be like a goldfish.” Samantha translated it to being present in the moment, as it is hard to do that as golfer.
Current female athletes like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson and Simone Biles successfully restored feminine prominence in the athletic entertainment field. Their athletic contributions to the visibility of women in sports did not go unnoticed.
Both basketball players, Clark and Wilson, had their college jerseys retired in ceremonies honoring their outstanding achievements on the court. Against all odds, they continued their careers in the Women’s National Basketball Association, which now airs prominently on national television.
Aspiring gymnast Simone Biles embraced the challenges that threatened to derail her. After competing in numerous gymnastics championships, Biles broke world records and earned an impressive 30 medals—23 of them gold.
“Throughout gymnastics, as long as I am inspiring the next generation and having fun and just making sure that it’s not all about winning but still putting a good foot forward even when it doesn’t go your way is what I would want it to be,” Biles said in an interview.
The growing acknowledgment of women in sports stemmed from years of persistence and resilience. Refusing to step aside, women gave society no choice but to recognize them as the elite athletes they are.
Samantha Dizon shared her worldview on women’s athletic evolution. She said that growing up playing golf she only heard about men in sports. Samantha Dizon humbly stated, “I’ve always wanted to inspire my teammates, coaches and other people around me including young girls.
Dizon mentioned her team has recently won two games. She also said that she was proud of being on a national team back home in the Philippines where she inspired others.
“I remember playing golf in the fall, and there were little girls following me, so I gave them a ball and they were so happy,” Dizon recalled.
Although the road was long and challenging, it proved worthwhile. These role models across all sports show that young girls can do anything they put their minds to—and more. This generation features some of the most recognizable female athletes in history.
A new chapter begins every time a woman steps into the world of sports. From that point on, the story of women in athletics continues to evolve.
