We know that women have been kicking balls—and butts—since the beginning of time, but when it comes to the world of sports, athletic women are still fighting for an equal playing field. Which is why we think it’s so important to recognize female professional athletes every chance we get.
So, we asked the Knix team for everyone’s top female athlete picks and built our own fantasy team. Any sport. Active or retired. Living or not-so-living. Who is your favorite female athlete ever?
“Jennie Finch! I played softball when I was younger. She was the softball all-star and the pitcher on the Olympic U.S. team. She created her own line of softball equipment and does a lot in giving back, mostly with young female baseball players. She’s struck out players in the MLB and she’s a mom!” - Kelly
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"Holly Holm. She’s a UFC fighter and she’s really badass and seems so humble.” - James
“Mia Hamm. She has been named the most remarkable female athlete of her time! Nike named the biggest building at their headquarters after her. [She has been inducted in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, among many other Halls of Fame.] She has won 4 NCAA championships. After [her team] won the World Cup, I loved her even more! She was a team player and, man or woman, one of the best athletes of all time. When she starred in the "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" commercial with Michael Jordan, it showed her even beating him. She is EPIC!” - Lindsay K.
“Skylar Diggins. She’s a WNBA player. I love that she’s a beast on the court but seems so cool and chill in her everyday life.” - Tomi
“Hayley Wickenheiser. She paved the way for women in hockey by being the first woman to play full-time professional hockey in a position other than goalie. She is tied with two of her teammates for having the most gold medals of any Canadian Olympian and is considered the best female hockey player in the world! She was honored with the Order of Canada in recognition of her accomplishments and did so much to support the Humboldt Broncos in the wake of their tragic bus crash.” - Kyla
“Abby Wambach. She’s a retired U.S. soccer player, the highest all-time scorer for the national team, and "holds the world record for international goals for both female and male soccer players with 184 goals." She toured through Uganda while I was living there and was incredible to meet in person. She's also an ambassador for Athlete Ally, a nonprofit organization that focuses on ending homophobia and transphobia in sports.” - Dave
“Bethany Hamilton. After [losing her arm to a shark at age 13], she overcame the impossible and became a champion surfer. She is very inspiring.” - Caroline
Of course our team wouldn’t be complete without one last player:
“Serena Williams ... Obvs.” - Lindsay K.
Who would be on your all-female fantasy team? Let us know!