Celebrating Black Excellence: Six Women Shaping the Future of Sports on National Girls & Women in Sports Day

Not only is it black history month, but today is National Girls & Women in Sports Day, and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting six Black women who are absolutely dominating sports right now.

These women aren’t just winning titles, they’re making history, breaking records, and changing the game.

1. Angel Reese – Basketball

Angel Reese isn’t slowing down. Since leading LSU to the 2023 NCAA Championship, she’s kept breaking records and making big moves.

• WNBA Rookie Star – Drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2024, she set a WNBA rookie record with 10 straight double-doubles and became an All-Star in her first season.
• Unrivaled League – In 2025, she joined the new Unrivaled 3×3 league and made history by scoring her team’s first points.

Major Accolades
• 2024 SEC Player of the Year – Led the league in scoring and rebounds, making history.
• Style Influencer of the Year – Honored for her impact beyond sports.

Biggest Brand Deal Yet
• McDonald’s Partnership – Became the first female athlete to get a signature McDonald’s meal: “The Angel Reese Special” featuring a BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder.

2. Sha’Carri Richardson – Track & Field

Sha’Carri Richardson continues to prove she’s a dominant force in track and field, with major wins and record-breaking performances keeping her at the top.

• Olympic Silver – Took silver in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a time of 10.87 seconds, finishing just behind Julien Alfred.
• Relay Gold – Anchored Team USA to victory in the 4x100m relay, bringing home Olympic gold.
• Diamond League Champion – Won the 100m at the Zurich Diamond League, defeating her Olympic rival.

Still a Top Contender
• Ranked #2 in the world in the 100m as of January 2025.
• Continues to dominate and prove she’s one of the fastest women in history.

3. Simone Biles – Gymnastics

After taking a well-deserved mental health break, Simone Biles returned with a vengeance and continues to redefine gymnastics.

• 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships: Biles won her ninth national all-around title, extending her record of national titles.
• 2024 Paris Olympics: She added several medals to her collection, including gold in team events, the individual all-around, and vault, along with a silver on floor exercise.

Accolades
• Olympic Success: Biles now boasts 7 Olympic gold medals.
• World Championships: She has earned 26 medals from World Championship events, further cementing her legacy.

History-Making Moment
• Biles II Vault: Her signature move, the Biles II vault, remains one of the most complex and difficult elements in gymnastics, pushing the limits of what is possible in the sport.

4. Coco Gauff – Tennis

At just 20 years old, Coco Gauff has already made her mark in tennis and continues to rise.

• 2024 Australian Open – Reached the semifinals before falling to Aryna Sabalenka.
• 2025 Australian Open – Made it to the quarterfinals but was defeated by Paula Badosa.

Accolades
• Grand Slam Champion – Won the 2023 US Open, becoming the youngest American to do so since Serena Williams.
• Top Ranking – Ranked No. 3 in the world as of January 2025.

5. Naomi Osaka – Tennis

After taking time off to focus on her family and mental health, Naomi Osaka is back on the court and building momentum for her return.

• 2025 Australian Open – Made it to the third round with strong wins before withdrawing due to an abdominal injury.

Accolades
• 4-Time Grand Slam Champion – Winner of two US Open and two Australian Open titles.
• Historic Ranking – The first Asian player to achieve the No. 1 singles ranking.

Off-Court Success
• One of the highest-earning female athletes, bringing in over $50 million annually.

6. Claressa Shields – Boxing

Claressa Shields continues to dominate in the world of boxing. She has made history as the first woman to hold a world title in three different weight classes, solidifying her position as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
• Recent Win: In 2025, Shields defeated Hannah Rankin to claim the WBC, WBA, and IBF heavyweight titles, making her the first woman in history to become the heavyweight champion in three weight classes.
• Accolades: 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist, undisputed middleweight champion, first woman to become undisputed champion in two different weight classes (middleweight and super-middleweight), and now the heavyweight champion.
• History-Making Moment: Shields made history by becoming the first woman to be crowned heavyweight champion in three different weight classes, further solidifying her legacy in the boxing world.

These women are clearly shaping the future of sports and empowering generations to come.

On this National Girls & Women in Sports Day, let’s celebrate their accomplishments and the incredible impact they’ve made both on and off the field.