Strong female athlete role models are dominating sports today. These powerful women are setting records and reaching new peaks.
It’s exciting to watch each of these athletes grow their respective game. However, it’s equally as exciting to watch these female athlete role models grow their social impact.
Today, the most dominant female athletes aren’t just winning competitions, they’re inspiring the next generation of young people.
We have already written about the value of keeping girls in sport and how important it is to solve gender inequality in sports. That’s why we’ve created this definitive guide to female athlete role models. These women have overcome obstacles to blaze trails for other young women to follow. Of course, the more young women that do follow, the more we’ll benefit as a society.
We hope you’ll find this guide inspirational. More importantly, we hope you’ll share the stories of these female athlete role models with young women and girls playing sports today!
Serena Williams: Tennis Champion, Motherhood & Female Sports Advocate
Simply put, Serena Williams is one of the most decorated female athletes in the history of tennis. Her 23 Grand Slam titles place her 2nd all-time, while her 39 major titles land her 3rd all-time (to go along with her 4 Olympic Gold Medals).
However, Williams is more than just a future tennis hall of fame inductee, she is also a female sports icon. Her strength and determination have extended off-the-court to inspire young women in sport, and more recently, new mothers.
In 2017, at eight weeks pregnant, Serena Williams won the Australian Open without dropping a set.
It was a truly amazing feat, completed by one of the most dominant tennis players in history. Her immediate post-pregnancy life, however, proved to be extremely difficult.
After giving birth, complications with blood clots in her lungs pushed the tennis champion into life threatening conditions. Several operations and procedures later, Williams made recovery that saw her spend the first six weeks of motherhood in bed. It was a whirlwind that has since motivated her to speak out about child-birth complications many black mothers face around the world.
After returning to professional tennis, Williams reaffirmed her championship-level standing, reaching two 2018 Grand Slam finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
In addition to her impressive performances, Williams also made an impact on official rules set out by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
Influencing Changes in Women’s Tennis
In 2019, the WTA announced two new rule changes that had been influenced by Williams’ return.
The first rule change was brought on by the black and red catsuit she wore at the 2018 French Open. She explained that the suit was both a fashion statement meant to channel her fierce post-natal life, and a functional outfit meant to help with her blood clot issues.
The French Open banned her outfit, saying that “one must respect the game and the place.” This move prompted the WTA to make an official statement, accepting the catsuit as professional tennis attire.
At this same French Open tournament, Serena’s loss caused her to lose her ranking, despite having technically won the last tournament she played.
This influenced the second new rule announced by the WTA which states that:
…women returning from pregnancy will now have their rankings frozen for up to three years, allowing them to return to play and recover their form without having to worry about a loss in ranking.
After returning to professional tennis, Williams also narrated and starred in a powerful Nike commercial about women defying the odds, encouraging girls to dream crazier. The commercial resonated with people across the globe and showed that Serena Williams truly is the voice of female athletes.
As Williams enters retirement it’s clear she continues to have a major impact on the game. Her success and her impact make her an obvious role model for girls everywhere.
Tessa Virtue: Most Decorated Olympic Figure Skater of All-Time
View this post on Instagram
Along with her skating partner Scott Moir, Tessa Virtue is the most decorated Olympic figure skater of all time. She is a 10-time Canadian senior ice dance medalist, 8-time Canadian senior ice dance champion, and 5-time Olympic medalist which includes capturing 3 Gold Medals.
Outside the rink, Virtue is passionate about keeping girls involved in sport. In a recent interview with the Huffington Post, she cited the fact that young girls simply don’t have the same access to sports as young boys. She explained that it’s important to promote activity for girls at any level.
This is a notion that has resonated with iconic toy maker Mattel. As part of Barbie’s 60th anniversary, Mattel released a Role models doll collection which included Tessa Virtue. The goal of this collection is to help young girls “continue believing that they can be anything.” The collection is touted as being part of Mattel’s Dream Gap Project, a project that aims to keep young girls’ dreams alive.
Amplifying Her Voice as a Female Athlete Role Model
As we’ve written about, gender inequality in sport is a complex problem, but the benefits of girls playing sports are clear. That’s why Tessa Virtue has partnered with multiple companies and organizations to help amplify her voice and elevate women. With Adidas, she recently told TSN that she is working to “shine a light on young female athletes and provide more opportunities for them to pursue sports that they love.”
As the 2019 ambassador for FitSpirit, she’s taken to the air with Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau to speak about the life-time value of girls getting active. Furthermore, she’s also partnered with Bumble Canada to help connect female business women with mentors.
Through these numerous partnerships and efforts, Virtue is amplifying her voice as a role model to inform more girls about the importance of sport.
Simone Biles: Most Decorated Gymnast of All-time
In 2021, at the height of her dominance and on world’s largest stage, Simone Biles pulled out of Olympic competition. It was a shocking move that no one could have predicted, but it was the right move for her.
On the first day of the Olympic finals, Biles was hit with the ‘twisties’, an affliction that causes gymnasts to lose awareness of where they are in the air. It’s an extremely dangerous phenomena that many gymnasts suffer from at some point in their career. However, for Biles, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
She was arguably the brightest star at the Olympics and she was on the verge of a historic feat. She only needed two medals to match the most decorated gymnast of all-time. Despite the pressure and the spotlight, she made the extremely difficult decision to pull out of the Olympic finals.
It may have caught the world off-guard, but by prioritizing her own mental health and wellness, Biles provided an amazing example for athletes across the globe. Instead of trying to push through a dangerous affliction, she showed the world that it’s okay to make time and space for your own wellness.
As the Olympic finals continued, Biles calmly resumed training in private. Although she missed several days and numerous apparatus, she mounted an impressive return to capture a bronze medal on beam and a silver team medal. As a result, she now stands tied as the most decorated gymnast of all time – a feat she accomplished while prioritizing her own wellness.
In addition to these accomplishments, her 23 World Championship and Olympic gold medals stand as the most won by any male or female gymnast in history. Her 5 World all-around titles are the most ever won by a female gymnast. Plus, she also lays claim to the most World Championship medals (25) and most World Championship gold medals (19) won by any gymnast.
In 2017 and 2021, Biles was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. In 2018, she was named ESPN’s Most Dominant Athlete of the Year. In 2019 and 2020, she was named the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year.
Want to find out more about Simone Biles? Check out our Simone Biles life lessons article.
Billie Jean King: Hall of Fame Tennis Player, Feminist, LGTBQ social justice figure
As a Hall of Fame tennis player, Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles over a 24-year career. As one of the world’s greatest tennis players throughout the 1960s and 1970s, King used her platform to advocate for women’s sports.
King is perhaps most well remembered for her 1973 tennis match against former #1 men’s tennis champion, Bobby Riggs. The match was dubbed “Battle of The Sexes” and pitted a 29-year-old Billie Jean King against an out-spoken 55-year-old Riggs.
An estimated 90 million people tuned in to watch King defeat Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. The momentous win helped catapult women’s sports forward in the discussion for equality.
That same year, King parlayed her platform to found the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). According to the WTA site, today, the organization stands as, “the global leader in women’s professional sport with more than 2,500 players representing 100 nations competing for a record $164 million in prize money.” King’s work in establishing the WTA is one of the sole reasons tennis is now one of the most popular women’s sports in the world.
Female Athlete Role Model and LGTBQ Advocate
One year later, in 1974, Billie Jean King founded the Women’s Sports Foundation which strives to ensure all girls have access to sports.
Beyond her advocacy for the equal opportunity for women, King has also been a social justice figure for the LGTBQ community. Today, King continues to speak about the challenges of coming out during her time and the importance of LGTBQ safety.
Between her many causes and her competitive career, King recalls that the 1970s were simply “exhausting.” But today, the structures she helped build are now priceless pillars in women’s sports. For all her work, Billie Jean King is clearly one of the most influential women in sports history.
Katie Ladecky: 5-time Olympic Gold Medalist, World Record Holder
Katie Ladecky is a record-setting phenom just like Simone Biles, and oddly enough, they were only born three days apart!
Like Biles, Ladecky entered the London 2012 games at only 15 years old. It was her first time traveling internationally to swim. But, amazingly, she shocked the swimming world by walking away with a gold medal in the 800m freestyle event.
By 2016, Ladecky left the Rio Olympics as the most decorated female athlete; collecting four gold medals and one silver.
Although her current total of 31 international medals (including 27 golds) make her a very decorated swimmer, it’s not just the hardware that makes Katie Ladecky such an awe-inspiring force. What continually impresses enthusiasts is the way in which she wins.
Since the 16 years of age, Ladecky has set an astounding 14 world records – often times smashing her own records again and again. This means, it’s not uncommon to see Ladecky lap her elite competition during races.
Not surprisingly, Ladecky’s dominance has led to her being named as female World Swimmer of the Year a record-breaking five times.
Staying Grounded As A Role Model for Girls
It’s easy to look at her accomplishments and consider Ledecky to be a good role model for young girls. However, it’s her down-to-earth nature and focus on fun and charity that really make her a great female athlete role model.
Despite the fact that she is currently rewriting the record book for swimming, Ladecky says that swimming is a “hobby”.
In a recent ESPN interview, she said “swimming is just something I try to have fun with.” She further explains that she tells kids to, “find something that you love and pursue it to the best of your ability,” insisting that’s what she’s done with swimming.
Outside of the sport, charity work also plays a regular role in Ladecky’s life. Over the years she’s continued to be involved with charities such as Bikes for the World and Wounded Warrior Project. This type of generosity shows young female athletes the value and impact of giving back.
Ronda Rousey: World Judo Champion, Mixed Martial Artist, Entertainer
Over a four-year period, from aged 17 to 21, Ronda Rousey won 7 medals in international judo competition, including a gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championships, a gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games, and a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
After retiring from Judo at age 21, she transferred her Judo skill-set into mixed martial arts training.
As a mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey rose to fame becoming a UFC Bantom Weight Champion and defended her title an impressive 6-straight times.
During this rise to fame, Rousey transitioned her skills into Hollywood, even voicing the iconic combat character of Sonya Blade in the video game franchise Mortal Combat. From Hollywood, Rousey has quickly expanded her athletic entertainment role as a main-event with the WWE.
While the WWE may be controversial for young audiences, the impact of Rousey’s success can’t be downplayed.
A Female Athlete Role Model to Inspire Strong Girls
Rousey’s confidence and dominance in the UFC ring has shown young girls that it’s good to be strong. In fact, athletes like Olympic wrestler Adeline Gray have said that Rousey has changed the world for women like her. Rousey announced that strong is beautiful and that shattered stereotypes for athletes like Gray.
Furthermore, UFC President Dana White has explained that Rousey’s success, “is changing the perception of women…and how little girls look at what [their] possibilities are.”
In 2015, at the height of her UFC success, Rousey was even voted the best female athlete ever by ESPN readers.
As Ronda Rousey continues her entertainment career, she leaves behind her a trail blazed for women in combat sports. Rousey’s rise to the top shows young girls just how fierce women can be. And through her charity work outside the ring, there is no doubt Rousey has proven herself as an important role model for girls in sports.
Mia Hamm: FIFA Women’s World Cup & Olympic Champion, All-time Great
Mia Hamm is one of the greatest women’s soccer players in the history of the sport. She sits third for the most international games played (275) and third for goals scored in international play (158).
Hamm’s career started early, joining the United States national team at only 15 years old. During her decorated 17-year international career, she won the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, two Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2004; and often lead her country as Captain of the United States.
Off-the-field Mia Hamm was one of the most recognized athletes in the United States during the 90s and early 2000s. Her fame led to an endless array of promotional deals, including this memorable “Michael vs Mia” Gatorade commercial, below.
The above commercial aired in 1999, illustrating that Mia Hamm was the face of female athletes the same way Michael Jordan was the face of male athletes. However, Hamm also broke barriers by leading female athletes into uncharted territory.
A True Female Sports Icon
Long before the Electronic Arts’ FIFA soccer franchise included women in 2016, Mia Hamm had a game called Mia Hamm Soccer on Nintendo 64 in the year 2000. The game featured female athletes exclusively, and sold well with over 45,000 games purchased.
Of course, this wasn’t the last time Hamm was presented as the face of women’s soccer. In 2008, her likeness was used on the official logo of the Women’s Professional Soccer league. If there’s a better example of being a sports “icon” out there, let us know!
During her time at the top of the sports world, Hamm was an unabashed role model for girls. Like her iconic Gatorade commercial sang, she showed little girls that women could compete just as hard as men. Today, she continues to provide a positive example for girls, running the Mia Hamm Foundation.
Kaetlyn Osmond: Olympic Gold Medalist, World Champion Figure Skater
Kaetlyn Osmond began skating at two years old. By 18 years old, she had earned team silver medals at the Sochi Olympics and World Championships. Then an accident derailed her up-and-coming skating career.
During a routine training session Kaetlyn’s skate caught a rut and she fell to the ice, breaking her right leg. The break required surgery and Osmond later admitted that she considered hanging up her skates for good.
However, somewhere along the way she made a commitment to return to skating. After a long recovery she came back stronger than before.
She admits, training is the hardest part of being an athlete, but she also says a perfect skate makes up for those “horrible days” of difficult training.
In 2017 and 2018, Osmond earned 5 international medals, including an Olympic gold (team), and bronze (singles) in Pyeongchang, before earning a Gold Medal (singles) at the World Champion only one month later in Milan.
The World Championship title marked the first time in 45 years that a Canadian women’s skater has won gold as an individual on the world stage.
Young athletes can look at Kaetlyn’s story and learn the importance of perseverance. After a broken leg and difficult rehab, Osmond was able to build her strength and focus. Her skill and dedication made her better than before, taking her to the top of the World Championship podium.
Dipa Karmakar: Womens Indian Gymnastics Trail Blazer, Olympian, World Champion
At the age of six, Dipa Karmakar was flat footed. For a gymnast, this condition can be a non-starter. In order to compete at the highest level, Karmakar needed extra training to develop a curve in her foot. This was only one of many struggles she’d face as an aspiring gymnast in India.
Her coach, Bisweshwar Nandi recalls that he had to make a springboard out of discarded scooter parts – and he stacked pads atop each other to form a make-shift vault. From these humble beginning Karmakar rose to the world stage and began to compete for international medals.
However, before winning her bronze medal in the 2014 commonwealth games, Karmakar went an unbelievable 8 months without having access to training apparatus. Showing that, even after qualifying for events on the international stage, she still had to fight for her passion.
Her career has been full of obstacles but she’s continually pushed forward, and her persistence has paid off. In 2016 she became the first Indian female gymnast to qualify for the Olympic games and first Indian Olympian to ever qualify for the finals in vault.
On the vault, she is one of only five women to ever land the Produnova in competition (see video above).
An Accomplished Role Model for Girls Across the World
Today, Dipa Karmakar is a well-known athletic star in India. She’s earned 77 medals across state, national and international gymnastics since 2007. Thanks to her tenacity and success, Karmakar has helped open doors for aspiring young girls.
Like figure skater Tessa Virtue (featured above) Dipa Karmakar has also been honoured with her own barbie, as part of Barbie’s Dream Gap Project. Regardless of the fame and recognition today, her journey speaks volumes. Dipa Karmakar’s iron will and determination make her a strong female athlete role model for girls in India and across the world.
Marta: 6-Time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Brazilian Womens Soccer Trail Blazer
Marta Vieira da Silva, known simply as “Marta”, is one of the greatest female soccer players in history.
Hailing from Brazil, she has been named the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 6 different times, while being named as the runner up an additional four times. She also currently holds the record for most goals scored in FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments (15).
A Tenacious Female Athlete Role Model for Girls
Marta overcame difficult odds throughout her youth. Raised by her single-mother after her father abandoned her and her three siblings, Marta focused on her passion for soccer.
As she recalls, it wasn’t easy; she rarely saw her mother who worked around the clock to support them. Furthermore, she was constantly jeered because she was the only girl who played soccer in a small Brazilian town of 11,000 people.
In her youth she trained in bare feet because she didn’t own cleats. When she was eventually gifted a pair of used cleats, they were several sizes too big.
But her perseverance and focus paid off when she started playing professionally at the young age of 14 years old.
Even then, it was a continued uphill battle, but eventually she caught a break. In 2004, she signed with a women’s professional team in Sweden. There she went on to win two Swedish Cups and rose to international fame.
Marta’s story shows that it doesn’t matter where you grow up, how much money you have, or what people say to you – you can play the sport you love.
Marta proved this over and over throughout her life. Now future generations of young girls can look to see what they can accomplish with passion and determination. For these reasons, Marta is an exceptional female athlete role model.
Michelle Kwan: Olympic Medalist, Most Decorated U.S. Figure Skater in History
Michelle Kwan competed at the senior level of figure skating for more than ten years. During that time, she was crowned World Champion on five different occasions.
At the Olympics, Kwan captured both silver and bronze medals. At home in the United States, she dominated with 9 National Championships. Ultimately, her artistry and consistency make her one of the greatest female figure skaters of all time.
Outside of her dominance on the ice, Kwan has gone on to make an impact in international relations, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2008 and her Master’s in 2011.
In 2010, United States President Barrack Obama appointed her to the “President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition” where she advised the President on ways to engage, empower, and educate all Americans to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
In that same year, Special Olympics International elected Kwan to its Board of Directors. Today, she continues to work with the Special Olympics as their Global Ambassador.
At one point in her career, Michelle Kwan’s life was filled with film cameos and sponsorship deals as one of the most recognizable female athletes in America. Today, she continues to be an inspiration to athletic women, showing that life after competition can be just as rewarding.
Kwan’s dedication to education and physical activity make her a fantastic female athlete role model for girls today.
Sheryl Swoopes: Women’s Basketball Trail Blazer, MVP, 4-Time WNBA Champion
The WNBA established the first professional basketball league for women in 1997. It was a big moment for women’s basketball, and with the first overall pick the Houston comets selected Sheryl Swoopes.
As a professional player she was a 3-time MVP, 6-time all-star, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist and lead her team to 4 WNBA championships. As one of the greatest female basketball players to ever play, she also helped pave the way for pregnant athletes.
Swoopes announced her pregnancy shortly after being recruited to the WNBA. The league took this as an opportunity to grow the game and promoted her pregnancy, progress and return. Similarly, Nike included Sheryl and her new son in one of their first WNBA ads (see video above).
Proving Motherhood and Athletics can go Hand-in-hand
Swoopes’ return to basketball occurred just six-weeks after giving birth. This mid-career birth and speedy return has been heralded as the beginning of a new era for women in sport. Swoopes showed professional female athletes that they didn’t need to wait until after their career to start a family.
According to an article in the Atlantic, “Sheryl was allowed to bring her baby along on the team bus and breastfeed during halftime.” Instead of trying to separate motherhood from athletics, Sheryl Swoopes showed that motherhood and sport could go hand-in-hand.
Swoopes went on to have a Hall of Fame career, making her a role model for young women and her son Jordan who cheered her on from the sidelines.
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser; Hall-of-Famer, World & Olympic Champion, Trailblazer
At the age of 15 years-old, Hayley Wickenheiser was the youngest member selected to play for Canada’s Women’s National Team in 1994.
That selection kick-started a legendary 23-year career that saw Wickenheiser win 7 world championship golds, 5 world championship silvers, 4 olympic gold medals, 1 olympic silver medal, and lead the country as Canadian Women’s Team Captain, MVP and even an Olympic flag-bearer.
Wickenheiser left no doubt about her dominance when she retired. She currently holds the record for most goals (168), assists (211) and points (379) for the Canadian Women’s National Team.
In 2003, Wickenheiser also became the first woman to score a goal in a professional men’s hockey game, when she played 12 games for Salamat in the Suomi-sarja league in Finland.
A Female Athlete Role Model for Continuing Education
Off the ice, Wickenheiser has been a role model for professional development and continuing education.
It took her 16 years to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology as she was raising her son throughout her playing career. Now, she’s a practicing doctor working in the emergency department at a hospital in Toronto. Her commitment to education shows that there’s no stopping the pursuit of Wickenheiser’s goals on or off the ice.
But, the World and Olympic Champion isn’t just a doctor.
In the fall of 2018, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they hired Wickenheiser as Assistant Director for the organization’s Player Development. In 2021, she was promoted to Senior Director of Player Development. She fulfilled both of these roles while she was completing medical school!
Shortly after graduating from medical school she was promoted to Assistant General Manager.
Her awe-inspiring drive may be best summarized by Toronto Maple Leaf’s General Manager, Kyle Dubas, who has said, “Anyone in our organization who thinks that they have reached their potential and limit only needs to look at all Hayley has accomplished and continues to accomplish in order to realize we all have a lot more to give to our community, to our club, and ourselves.” Clearly, Wickenheiser is an amazing role model.
View this post on Instagram
Regarded as the greatest female hockey player in history, Hayley Wickenheiser is a fantastic role model for everyone. Off-the-ice and on, she continues to be an invaluable leader for female athletes. Her dedication to hockey and professional development shows young girls that they can do anything they put their mind to.
Strong female athlete role models are inspiring the next generation
It’s truly an inspiring time for young women in sports. Female athlete role models are blazing trails and paving the way for the next generation of young women. For more female sports inspiration, make sure to checkout our collection of motivational quotes by female athletes.
Do you have suggestions for athletes we should add to our definitive guide to role models for female athletes? Send us a message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We’d love to hear from you!
