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The first woman to play on the PGA Tour was Babe Zaharias. She qualified for the 1945 Los Angeles Open and made the 36-hole cut before she was eliminated in the third round with a 79. Zaharias opened the door for Annika Sorenstam, who competed in the Colonial Open in 2003.
The first woman to play on the PGA Tour was Babe Zaharias. She qualified for the 1945 Los Angeles Open and made the 36-hole cut before she was eliminated in the third round with a 79. Zaharias opened the door for Annika Sorenstam, who competed in the Colonial Open in 2003.
Althea Gibson became the first Black athlete to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Gibson went on to win five Grand Slam titles.
Althea Gibson became the first Black athlete to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Gibson went on to win five Grand Slam titles.
Women in car racing started with Janet Guthrie in 1977. Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Guthrie went on to compete in three Indy 500 races and 33 NASCAR races. Guthrie was the first woman to lead a lap in the NASCAR Cup Series. Guthrie opened the doors for women such as Danica Patrick to compete in the predominantly male sport.
Women in car racing started with Janet Guthrie in 1977. Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Guthrie went on to compete in three Indy 500 races and 33 NASCAR races. Guthrie was the first woman to lead a lap in the NASCAR Cup Series. Guthrie opened the doors for women such as Danica Patrick to compete in the predominantly male sport.
Amy Trask broke through the glass ceiling of the NFL front office. The Oakland Raiders hired Trask as chief executive in 1997, and she became the first woman of that rank in the NFL. Trask served in her position with the Raiders until 2013.
Amy Trask broke through the glass ceiling of the NFL front office. The Oakland Raiders hired Trask as chief executive in 1997, and she became the first woman of that rank in the NFL. Trask served in her position with the Raiders until 2013.
Phyllis George was a trailblazer in sports television. George joined CBS as a sportscaster in 1974 and served as host of “The NFL Today” show alongside Brent Musberger, Irv Cross and Jimmy Snyder. She became one of the first women to have a prominent role in television sports coverage.
After the Cleveland Indians hired Justin Siegal to throw batting practice during 2011 spring training, she became the first woman to throw batting practice for an MLB team. In 2015, the Oakland A's hired Siegal as a hitting instructor, which broke another gender barrier. Siegal was then the first female MLB coach.
After the Cleveland Indians hired Justin Siegal to throw batting practice during 2011 spring training, she became the first woman to throw batting practice for an MLB team. In 2015, the Oakland A’s hired Siegal as a hitting instructor, which broke another gender barrier. Siegal was then the first female MLB coach.
The Arizona Cardinals hired Jen Welter as a coaching intern in 2015, and she became the first female to coach in the NFL. Her internship only lasted three preseason games, but she opened the doors for more female coaches in the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals hired Jen Welter as a coaching intern in 2015, and she became the first female to coach in the NFL. Her internship only lasted three preseason games, but she opened the doors for more female coaches in the NFL.
From 2001 to 2002, Lisa Boyer was an assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the first woman to sit on the bench as an NBA assistant.
From 2001 to 2002, Lisa Boyer was an assistant coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the first woman to sit on the bench as an NBA assistant.
During Pat Summitt's 38 years as the University of Tennessee women's basketball coach, she led the Lady Vols to eight national championships. When Summitt stepped down in 2012 due to early onset Alzheimer's disease, she was the winningest coach in college basketball history with 1,098 wins. Summitt was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
During Pat Summitt’s 38 years as the University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach, she led the Lady Vols to eight national championships. When Summitt stepped down in 2012 due to early onset Alzheimer’s disease, she was the winningest coach in college basketball history with 1,098 wins. Summitt was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
The 2014 Little League World Series was a must-watch event because of Mo'ne Davis. She wasn't the first female to play in the Little League World Series — she was actually the 18th — but her performance as a pitcher was inspiring. Davis became the first female to pitch a winning game and also first to pitch a shutout in Little League World Series history.
The 2014 Little League World Series was a must-watch event because of Mo’ne Davis. She wasn’t the first female to play in the Little League World Series — she was actually the 18th — but her performance as a pitcher was inspiring. Davis became the first female to pitch a winning game and also first to pitch a shutout in Little League World Series history.
A lot of firsts occurred throughout Becky Hammon's coaching career. Even though she wasn't the first woman to coach in the NBA, she was the first female head coach in the NBA Summer League for the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. When Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected during a game in 2020, Hammon served as acting head coach, marking another first in NBA history.
A lot of firsts occurred throughout Becky Hammon’s coaching career. Even though she wasn’t the first woman to coach in the NBA, she was the first female head coach in the NBA Summer League for the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. When Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected during a game in 2020, Hammon served as acting head coach, marking another first in NBA history.
At the beginning of the 2015 NFL season, Sarah Thomas became the first female official in NFL history. Thomas would become the first woman to earn an officiating position for an NFL playoff game and the Super Bowl when she was selected for the 2021 Super Bowl officiating crew.
At the beginning of the 2015 NFL season, Sarah Thomas became the first female official in NFL history. Thomas would become the first woman to earn an officiating position for an NFL playoff game and the Super Bowl when she was selected for the 2021 Super Bowl officiating crew.
In 2002, Lisa Leslie became the first WNBA player to dunk during a game. Leslie was a star professional basketball player, helping the WNBA gain notoriety. She was a three-time WNBA MVP, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
In 2002, Lisa Leslie became the first WNBA player to dunk during a game. Leslie was a star professional basketball player, helping the WNBA gain notoriety. She was a three-time WNBA MVP, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
When the Vancouver Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks played their season opener in 1997, history was made — but not between the two teams. Violet Palmer became the first female referee in NBA history. Palmer retired in 2016 after officiating 919 NBA games.
When the Vancouver Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks played their season opener in 1997, history was made — but not between the two teams. Violet Palmer became the first female referee in NBA history. Palmer retired in 2016 after officiating 919 NBA games.
One month after Palmer made history in 1997 as the first female NBA referee, Dee Kanter would join Palmer as one of the first women to officiate an NBA game. Kanter was an NBA referee until 2002.
One month after Palmer made history in 1997 as the first female NBA referee, Dee Kanter would join Palmer as one of the first women to officiate an NBA game. Kanter was an NBA referee until 2002.
The NBA Players Association named Michele Roberts as executive director in 2014 after a long career as a trial lawyer in Washington, D.C. Roberts is the first woman to lead a players' union for one of the top four U.S. sports leagues (NBA, MLB, NFL and NHL).
The NBA Players Association named Michele Roberts as executive director in 2014 after a long career as a trial lawyer in Washington, D.C. Roberts is the first woman to lead a players’ union for one of the top four U.S. sports leagues (NBA, MLB, NFL and NHL).
The Miami Marlins hired Kim Ng as general manager in 2020, making her the first female general manager in the MLB. Ng worked her way up within the MLB. She started as an assistant director of baseball operations for the Chicago White Sox in 1995.
The Miami Marlins hired Kim Ng as general manager in 2020, making her the first female general manager in the MLB. Ng worked her way up within the MLB. She started as an assistant director of baseball operations for the Chicago White Sox in 1995.
The Indiana Pacers hired Kelly Krauskopf as assistant general manager in 2018, and she became the first woman of that rank in the NBA.
The Indiana Pacers hired Kelly Krauskopf as assistant general manager in 2018, and she became the first woman of that rank in the NBA.
After working with the New York Jets as a NFL summer scouting specialist, Heather Marini joined the Brown University football team coaching staff in 2019. Marini was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2020, becoming the first female position coach in Division I football.
After working with the New York Jets as a NFL summer scouting specialist, Heather Marini joined the Brown University football team coaching staff in 2019. Marini was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2020, becoming the first female position coach in Division I football.
Before making history as a basketball coach, Nancy Lieberman was a star basketball player and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. In 2009, the Dallas Mavericks hired Lieberman to be the head coach of the Texas Legends in the NBA Development League. Lieberman became the first female head coach of a professional men's basketball team.
Before making history as a basketball coach, Nancy Lieberman was a star basketball player and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. In 2009, the Dallas Mavericks hired Lieberman to be the head coach of the Texas Legends in the NBA Development League. Lieberman became the first female head coach of a professional men’s basketball team.
When the Buffalo Bills promoted Kathryn Smith to special teams control coach in 2016, she became the first female full-time NFL assistant coach.
When the Buffalo Bills promoted Kathryn Smith to special teams control coach in 2016, she became the first female full-time NFL assistant coach.
Sowers became the first openly LGBTQ coach in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons hired Katie Sowers as an intern for the summer of 2016, and she remained with the Falcons until 2017 when the San Francisco 49ers hired her as an offensive assistant. As a member of the 49ers in 2019, Sowers became the first female and openly LGBTQ coach in a Super Bowl.
Sowers became the first openly LGBTQ coach in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons hired Katie Sowers as an intern for the summer of 2016, and she remained with the Falcons until 2017 when the San Francisco 49ers hired her as an offensive assistant. As a member of the 49ers in 2019, Sowers became the first female and openly LGBTQ coach in a Super Bowl.
After Gutherie paved the way for women in racing, Danica Patrick proved women belong. Patrick became the first and only woman to win an IndyCar Series race at the 2008 Indy Japan 300. Patrick won the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award and retired from racing in 2018.
After Gutherie paved the way for women in racing, Danica Patrick proved women belong. Patrick became the first and only woman to win an IndyCar Series race at the 2008 Indy Japan 300. Patrick won the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver award and retired from racing in 2018.
Emily Harrington climbed literal mountains to achieve greatness in her sport. The five-time U.S. national champion in sport climbing became the first woman to free-climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot rock wall in Yosemite National Park, in under 24 hours.
Emily Harrington climbed literal mountains to achieve greatness in her sport. The five-time U.S. national champion in sport climbing became the first woman to free-climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot rock wall in Yosemite National Park, in under 24 hours.
Brandi Chastain's game-winning penalty kick at the 1999 World Cup is forever a part of American sports history. The success of the 1999 women's World Cup team helped grow the sport and paved the way for future soccer stars in the United States.
Brandi Chastain’s game-winning penalty kick at the 1999 World Cup is forever a part of American sports history. The success of the 1999 women’s World Cup team helped grow the sport and paved the way for future soccer stars in the United States.
As a prominent member of the U.S. women's soccer team, Megan Rapinoe leads the team on and off the field. Rapinoe helped the U.S. national team win two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal. Off the field, Rapinoe addresses issues such as LQBTQ rights and equal pay.
As a prominent member of the U.S. women’s soccer team, Megan Rapinoe leads the team on and off the field. Rapinoe helped the U.S. national team win two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal. Off the field, Rapinoe addresses issues such as LQBTQ rights and equal pay.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Billie Jean King was the face of women’s tennis. King won 12 Grand Slam singles titles and reached No. 1 in the world in 1966. Her push for gender equality led to the exhibition match between her and Bobby Riggs known as “the Battle of the Sexes.” King beat Riggs in three straight sets.
The Washington Football Team promoted Jennifer King to assistant running backs coach in 2021 after she served as a coaching intern for one season. King is the NFL's first full-time Black female coach.
The Washington Football Team promoted Jennifer King to assistant running backs coach in 2021 after she served as a coaching intern for one season. King is the NFL’s first full-time Black female coach.
After working for the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football, Lori Locust joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an assistant defensive line coach in 2019. Locust helped the Buccaneers become the top rushing defense in the NFL and ultimately helped the team win the 2021 Super Bowl. Locust is the first female coach on a team to win the Super Bowl.
After working for the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football, Lori Locust joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an assistant defensive line coach in 2019. Locust helped the Buccaneers become the top rushing defense in the NFL and ultimately helped the team win the 2021 Super Bowl. Locust is the first female coach on a team to win the Super Bowl.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the only NFL team with two female coaches on their staff during the 2021 season. Assistant strength and conditioning coach Maral Javadifar joined the team in 2019 and was a part of the 2021 Super Bowl team. Along with Locust, Javadifar is also the first female coach on a team to win the Super Bowl.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the only NFL team with two female coaches on their staff during the 2021 season. Assistant strength and conditioning coach Maral Javadifar joined the team in 2019 and was a part of the 2021 Super Bowl team. Along with Locust, Javadifar is also the first female coach on a team to win the Super Bowl.
The Sacramento Kings hired Jenny Boucek as a player development coach in 2017. Boucek became the third woman assistant coach in NBA history.
The Sacramento Kings hired Jenny Boucek as a player development coach in 2017. Boucek became the third woman assistant coach in NBA history.
Lindsay Gottlieb spent eight seasons as the University of California head women's basketball coach, leading the Golden Bears to seven NCAA tournaments. In 2019, Gottlieb left and signed a four-year contract as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gottlieb became the first NCAA women's head coach to be hired by an NBA team.
Lindsay Gottlieb spent eight seasons as the University of California head women’s basketball coach, leading the Golden Bears to seven NCAA tournaments. In 2019, Gottlieb left and signed a four-year contract as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gottlieb became the first NCAA women’s head coach to be hired by an NBA team.
Following a nine-year career in the WNBA, Lindsey Harding served as a player development coach for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. Harding became the first Black female coach in the NBA.
Following a nine-year career in the WNBA, Lindsey Harding served as a player development coach for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. Harding became the first Black female coach in the NBA.