Neil Guthrie
Today, many female athletes are leveraging their platforms to drive positive change. These athletes demonstrate the power of their voices and actions in creating a better future by advocating for equality and supporting global causes. Here are ten influential sports stars making an impact beyond their athletic achievements.
Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ibtihaj Muhammad made history as the first Muslim woman to compete for the U.S. in the Olympics wearing a hijab. Beyond fencing, she advocates for inclusion and diversity, encouraging young girls through her memoir and speaking engagements. In 2017, Mattel honored her with a hijabi Barbie that reinforced her message of representation.
Megan Rapinoe
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team star has passionately advocated equal pay for female athletes and LGBTQ+ rights. A vocal critic of gender discrimination, Megan consistently uses her platform to promote inclusivity and social justice.
Naomi Osaka
This tennis star bravely brought the conversation around prioritizing self-care and mental health in sports in 2021. At the 2020 U.S. Open, she wore masks honoring Black victims of police brutality and amplified marginalized voices. Osaka’s advocacy has helped diminish mental stigma in illness and inspired others to seek help.
Chloe Kim
Snowboarding athlete Chloe Kim, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, is a sports icon and an environmental sustainability advocate. Through the “Protect Our Winters” campaign, she raises awareness about climate change’s impact on winter sports, which inspires young athletes—especially girls—to pursue their dreams while protecting the planet.
Kristi Yamaguchi
An Olympic figure skating champion, she promotes literacy through her Always Dream Foundation. The foundation supports after-school programs and summer camps to improve literacy among underprivileged children. Her efforts have positively impacted thousands and cultivated a love of reading and learning in young brains.
Venus Williams
While Serena often grabs the headlines, Venus Williams sparked one of the most impactful moments in sports history. Her relentless campaign for equal pay led Wimbledon to offer equal prize money in 2007. She inspires women through initiatives like the #PrivilegeTax campaign and emphasizes the importance of systemic change for all.
Misty Copeland
As the first African-American female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, she broke down barriers in the ballet industry. She advocates for diversity and inclusion through the Misty Copeland Foundation and partnerships, which provide access for underrepresented dancers. In addition, she celebrates Black ballerinas through her book Black Ballerinas.
Abby Wambach
Soccer legend Abby Wambach, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, is a powerful voice for women’s inspiration. She co-founded “Wolfpack Endeavor” to uplift women in business and sports while advocating against domestic fights.
Stefanie Graf
Beyond her tennis legacy, she is devoted to humanitarian work through her foundation, Children for Tomorrow, which helps children traumatized by battles and crises. Graf emphasizes psychological care and actively promotes mental health awareness. Her efforts have a global impact, motivating others to bring meaningful change to the lives of at-risk children.
Diana Taurasi
The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer also champions education for underserved communities. Through her work with various youth programs and charities, Taurasi is committed to ensuring that young people, regardless of background, have access to education and the opportunities it brings.