Stephanie Cheng, VP/Head of International and Special Projects for the Los Angeles Rams, shares her journey from USC intern to a key role in expanding the NFL's global presence, overseeing international initiatives and facility development, and contributing to the sport's growth in markets like Australia, Mexico, and South Korea, driven by her dedication and strategic vision.
Jen Pawol made history as the first woman umpire in Major League Baseball, and Adam Wainwright, a respected player, showed her support during her debut, highlighting her significance for women and young girls in sports.
Jen Pawol is set to make history as the first female umpire in a century and a half of major league baseball, after a long journey through the minor leagues, driven by her passion for baseball and overcoming gender barriers. Her debut will take place during a doubleheader in Atlanta, marking a significant milestone for women in sports.
Jen Pawol will make history as the first woman to umpire a Major League Baseball game, joining a list of women who have broken barriers in sports officiating across various leagues, including NFL, NBA, NCAA, and international soccer, showcasing the ongoing progress of women in traditionally male-dominated roles.
Mo’ne Davis, renowned for her historic Little League World Series performance, is returning to baseball at 24 to try out for the new Women's Professional Baseball League launching in 2026, aiming to continue her passion for the sport and inspire women in baseball.
The ESPY Awards celebrated women in sports with awards and recognition, while host Shane Gillis delivered edgy, often unsuccessful jokes that received mixed reactions from the audience. Major female athletes like Simone Biles and Alex Morgan were honored for their contributions beyond sports, and Gillis's humor included controversial jokes about political figures and female athletes, which did not land well. The event also recognized perseverance and courage among athletes, highlighting their impact both on and off the field.
Doris Burke, a trailblazing ESPN NBA game analyst, will become the first woman to call an NBA Finals game on ABC. Her career has inspired and mentored many women in sports broadcasting, including Rebecca Lobo and Chiney Ogwumike. Burke's rise in a male-dominated field has paved the way for more women analysts in basketball and beyond, despite facing significant challenges and biases. Her legacy continues to influence the next generation of female sports broadcasters.
A second awkward exchange involving columnist Gregg Doyel has emerged from Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever press conference, with Doyel referring to Clark as "that" and "it" in a conversation with her new coach, sparking criticism and outrage from various corners of the journalism industry. Doyel had previously faced backlash for making inappropriate comments towards Clark, leading to calls for his credentials to be revoked, while he has since apologized for crossing the line. Despite the controversy, Clark is set to become one of the biggest stars in the WNBA and the state of Indiana.
The Charlotte Hornets have been given permission to interview Lindsey Harding, coach of the G League’s Stockton Kings, for their head-coaching position, potentially making her the first woman to lead an NBA team. Harding, a former WNBA player and current G League coach, has also coached the Mexican women’s national team and served as an assistant for the Sacramento Kings. If hired, she would join a small but growing group of women working in coaching roles in the NBA.
The Charlotte Hornets have been granted permission to interview Lindsey Harding, head coach of the G League’s Stockton Kings, for their head coaching opening, making her the first woman to be considered for a head coaching job in NBA history. Harding, a former No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick, has extensive experience as both a player and coach and could potentially break new ground for women in the NBA. This opportunity comes as the Hornets search for a replacement for head coach Steve Clifford, who plans to transition into a front office role with the franchise.
British ultrarunner Jasmin Paris becomes the first woman to finish the grueling Barkley Marathons, completing the 100-mile race in Tennessee with only 99 seconds to spare within the 60-hour cut-off time, joining just four other finishers in the race's history. The race, known for its extreme difficulty, features a course with five loops totaling approximately 100 miles and a climb and descent of 54,200 feet, with no aid stations except for water at two locations.
Cole Brauer, a 29-year-old American woman, has become the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself, completing a 30,000-mile journey in 130 days as part of the Global Solo Challenge. Facing treacherous conditions and physical challenges, she navigated her 40-foot sailboat alone, defying expectations and inspiring others with her determination and resilience.
Cole Brauer, a 29-year-old American woman, made history by becoming the first American woman to race nonstop around the world solo, covering about 30,000 miles in the Global Solo Challenge. Facing treacherous conditions and physical challenges, she completed the 130-day journey, defying skeptics who doubted her ability due to her gender and small frame. Brauer's accomplishment marks a significant milestone for women in sports and serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their ambitions.
Jen Pawol, the first female umpire to reach Triple A in 35 years, is set to umpire major-league spring training games in Florida, making her the third woman to do so. She will also be elevated to the role of Triple-A crew chief and aims to become the first woman to umpire a regular-season MLB game. Pawol, who started her career in the Gulf Coast League in 2016, is passionate about advancing the pipeline for female umpires and provides a curriculum for baseball and softball umpires for high school kids.
The Philadelphia Eagles celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day by acknowledging the talented women who work in sports and recognizing their contributions on this special day and every day.
