Renee Sainz

Soccer meant a lot to me (Renee Sainz). It was a part of my identity, something I looked forward to every day. It taught me many lessons and was a constant in my life—until it wasn’t. This isn’t the story of how I stopped playing; that’s for another time. This is about how I realized I had fallen into the trap of defining myself through my sport, as many athletes do.Athletes are deeply dedicated to their sport, building habits and fueling their passion. As an athlete, my mornings were always act...

The versatile player Reese Mendenhall has been inspired and intrigued by soccer for as long as she can remember. Since she was three years old, soccer has been a significant part of her life, and the exceptional female athlete has passionately pursued the sport ever since. While soccer plays a major role in her life, Mendenhall is also passionate about other interests and has discovered a lot about herself through the sport.Being the youngest in her family, the beginning stages of her soccer car...

Kimia Yousofi, a refugee and Olympian from Afghanistan, has used her platform as a sprinter to advocate for women’s rights, particularly in sports. At just twenty-eight years old, Yousofi became the sole female representative for Afghanistan in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Regardless of where an athlete finishes—first, last, or anywhere in between—their journey is fueled by relentless dedication. For Yousofi, finishing last was secondary to the message she sent by running with all her heart, bo...

Jessica Long is a remarkable Paralympic swimmer whose passion and determination shine every time she dives into the pool. With an impressive total of 30 Paralympic medals to her name, she recently secured another gold in the Women’s Para Swimming 100m Butterfly S8, capping off an extraordinary performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Long is known to be an inspiring Paralympic swimmer with an incredible life story.Long’s journey began in Siberia, Russia in 1992, where she was born with...

Ilona Maher is rapidly gaining recognition for her vibrant personality and fierce competitive spirit on the rugby field. Her dynamic presence is making waves both in the sport and beyond, significantly influencing the landscape of women’s athletics. By breaking stereotypes and championing body positivity, Maher is not only carving out her own identity as an athlete, but also inspiring countless women to embrace their strengths and pursue sports like rugby. Her impact extends far beyond the pitch...

I have always held a deep appreciation for the people who came before us—their struggles and achievements paved the way for those of us here today. This sparked my desire to explore the journeys of the female athletes who preceded us. Though many may not be widely recognized, their contributions have had a profound impact on the landscape of women’s sports. One such iconic figure from the past is Althea Gibson.Born on August 25, 1927, in South Carolina, Gibson faced a challenging start in life....