Sports

Billie Jean King (1942 - Present)

American Tennis Player and Women’s Equality Activist

A professional tennis player and activist, Billie Jean King’s journey began at just 17 when she and her doubles partner set the record as the youngest pair to win the iconic Wimbledon tournament. However, her triumphs were quickly overshadowed by the unequal and biased landscape of 1950s tennis, igniting her passion for advocacy. Determined to make a difference, King dedicated her life to championing gender equality and LGBTQ+ visibility, emerging as a trailblazer for female empowerment.

Beyond her achievements on the court, she fought for change as a coach, commentator, and founder of numerous nonprofits. Her relentless pursuit of equal access, pay, and rights for women transformed the landscape of sports. King’s efforts led to groundbreaking changes in the regulations of Grand Slam championships and elevated the status of female tennis players worldwide. Through her unwavering commitment, she inspired countless individuals to stand up for their rights and pursue their dreams, proving that one person can spark monumental change.

“The main thing is to care. Care very hard, even if it is only a game you are playing.” - Billie Jean King

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Nelly Korda (1998 - Present)

American golfer and Olympic champion

Nelly Korda is a professional American golfer who is making colossal strides in the golf world, as she is known for her domination on the golf course. She currently plays on the LPGA tour, and has won a total of 14 times. At just 25 years old, Korda continues to be named No.1 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings. In the male dominated sport that golf is, Korda is helping popularize womens’ golf, and is prompting other young female golfers to compete professionally. Furthermore, Korda is heavily motivated by her fan base, along with her family.

Korda secured the gold medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, something only one other American woman has done before. She will be competing in the 2024 Olympics starting in August, and it is possible that she will bring another gold medal back to the United States.

“I just never give up. I mean no matter what. No matter how much adversity is thrown your way. I just hope that they know that I never give up and I give it my all.” - Nelly Korda

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Kathrine Switzer (1947 - Present)

American Marathon Runner and Author

When Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run and complete the Boston Marathon in 1967, little did she know that this moment would not only shape history but also pivot her life. Switzer has become an advocate for women’s participation in long-distance races. Her campaigns and work have led to the Boston Marathon officially allowing women to compete, as well as the introduction of the women’s marathon in the Olympic Games.

Switzer has also been a successful TV commentator, having commentated for ABC, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. Throughout her life, she has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to social change in the running environment for women. Notably, she was inducted into the United States of America National Women’s Hall of Fame in October 2011.

“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” - Kathrine Switzer

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Michelle Wie West (1989 - Present)

Korean-American Professional Golfer on the LPGA Tour, Stanford Graduate, “The Big Wiesy”

At 13, Wie qualified to play in the 2003 Kraft Nabisco Championship, making her the youngest player to compete on the LPGA Tour. She continued on to finish in the Top Ten, carding a 66 (6 under par) on the third day. Wie officially went pro before turning 16, inviting sponsorships from brands like Nike. Her first LPGA win was at the 2009 Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico at the Guadalajara Country Club.

Outside of golf, Wie is a passionate foodie. She even has a second instagram account, @whatdowieeat, dedicated entirely to her latest food adventures, including everything from banana bread to sushi.

“We're all just playing our own game. I don't see it as a rivalry. We're just trying to play our best.” - Michelle Wie West

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Serena Williams (1981 - Present)

Professional Tennis Player and Entrepreneur

With an exclusive style and presence on the court, Serena Williams, one of the greatest female athletes in history, has forever changed the sport of tennis for women, especially for those of color. Her pure strength and athletic talent has overwhelmed opponents; she calls 39 Grand Slam titles her own, 23 of which are for singles events. Williams holds the record for winning the most women’s singles matches at the Grand Slams, the most by any player in the Open Era, and the second-most of all time in tennis history. She was ranked world No. 1 in singles by the Women's Tennis Association for 319 weeks, and finished as No. 1 five times.

How Williams expresses herself through her energy, hair styles, unique outfits, dancing, and general passion on the court were once unheard of in tennis. Despite immense pressure throughout her career, she remained herself without shame, inspiring many women to pursue their passions with a firm mindset and drive. As her tennis career closes in 2022, Serena continues to cultivate her success and impact beyond her professional tennis career with her Venture Capital firm and as a mother. Williams’s sense of emotion and power makes her a celebrity both off and on the court, communicating to girls that there is no need to hide determination in order to succeed.

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.” - Serena Williams

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Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb (1942 - Present)

Runner, Mother, Artist, Scientific Researcher, Author, and Speaker

Bobbi Gibb is a groundbreaking athlete whose participation in the 1966 Boston Marathon defied society’s perception towards women and their capabilities, both physically and mentally. Her completion of 26.2 grueling miles not only symbolized a special personal accomplishment, but was also a great milestone for the running community, as she became the first woman in history to finish the Boston Marathon.

After her memorable race, Gibb continued to run, holding onto her winning spot as the fastest woman to finish for a total of three years, from 1966 to 1968. Her accomplishments on the roads are accompanied by an assortment of trades with her interests ranging from pursuing sculpting to studying neuroscience. She continues to motivate her audiences through her success in writing.

“Isn’t it amazing, the miracles around us, if only we take the time to notice them?” - Bobbi Gibb

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Alexandra Asamasoebrata (1988 - Present)

Indonesia’s First Female Race Car Driver

Alexandra Asmasoebrata is widely known as Indonesia’s first female race car driver. When she was just 12 years old, Asmasoebrata began her career as a Go Kart 60 cc racer, setting desires to become a professional racer. This desire became true and led her to great achievements throughout her entire career, while representing Indonesia. In light of her success, she was awarded an award from MURI (Museum Rekor Indonesia) as Indonesia’s first woman race car driver, corresponding to Kartini Day.

“Always have the courage to try and don’t be afraid of failure. Try, and you’ll know.” -Alexandra Asmasoebrata

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Denise Soesilo (1987 - Present)

Former Olympian, Drone Expert, and Co-Founder of Outsight

Denise Soesilo is a German expert in Unmanned Aerial Systems and avid environmental activist. Soesilo is a former German National Hockey team member and Olympian.

Soesilo played on the Women’s Hockey Team at Yale University, eventually receiving her degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on industrial ecology. After graduation, she received a Masters Degree in Environmental Management with a focus on forest management, agriculture, and plant physiology from Yale University.

Soesilo is a co-founder of Outsight, an organization that focuses on using technology such as drones to provide global humanitarian and environmental assistance.

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