THE ULTIMATE LIST OF BADA** SPORTSWOMEN TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM (PART 2)
ABBY WAMBACH is an American soccer player (retired), coach, two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women's World Cup champion, and a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Why we love her: Abby is a role model and strong activist for equality and inclusion. With her wife Glennon Doyle, the power couple serve as inspiration to women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Abby is also the author of Wolfpack, a New York Times Best Seller, and co-founder of Wolfpack Endeavor, a leadership training camp for women in the workplace. She inspires young people to “find their voice, unite their pack, and change the world”.
Words to live by:
"I am a firm believer that if you feel good and you are happy and you are doing all the things you need to on a daily basis — whether it be for your profession or as a professional athlete — you are going to be more comfortable in your skin."
Follow Abby on social media ~
IG: @abbywambach
Twitter: @abbywambach
SIMONE BILES is an American gymnast and five-time Olympic gold medalist. She is the first American female gymnast to win a World Championship medal in every gymnastic event. Standing at 4-ft 8-in, this powerhouse athlete knows a thing or two about being a serious competitor. At just 23 years old, Simone is the most decorated American gymnast of all time with 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.
Why we love her: Simone is an advocate for Black Lives Matter and a strong role model for young athletes. In 2017, Simone was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars where she was a top contender the entire season and reminded everyone that “smiling doesn’t win you gold medals.” In 2020, Simone was featured on the cover of Vogue for empowering people to stand up and speak out. She also has her own MasterClass that teaches her techniques and how to have a competitive edge.
Words to live by:
“I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps – I’m the first Simone Biles.”
Follow Simone on social media ~
IG: @simonebiles
Twitter: @simone_biles
HAYLIE MCCLENEY is an American, former collegiate four-time All-American, left-handed hitting softball outfielder. Originally from Alabama, Haylie is a graduate from the University of Alabama and received Second Team and three First Team All-SEC honors all four years as a student-athlete.
Why we love her: Labeling herself as a “relentless optimist”, Haylie is a positive role model on and off the field. She is an openly gay athlete and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. As a member of Team USA since 2013, Haylie has won gold medals in World Championships, the Pan American Games, and the World Cup. Recently, she was selected for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo where she would fulfill her dreams of becoming an Olympian. Off the field, Haylie is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Words to live by:
“Whatever the dream, keep dreaming it. I promise you that it is possible.”
Follow Haylie on social media ~
IG: @hayliemac8
Twitter: @hayliemac8
ALLYSON FELIX is an Olympic track and field sprinter who competes in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter races. She is the only female track and field athlete to ever win six Olympic gold medals and is tied as being the most decorated female Olympian in track and field history. Allyson is also the most decorated athlete, male or female, in World Athletics Championships history with 18 career medals, 13 of which are gold.
Why we love her: Allyson is a devout Christian and credits much of her success in running to the gifts God has given her. In 2014, Allyson was a Sports Envoy in Brazil where she worked with paralympian Josh George to educate children in marginalized communities about the powerful life lessons sports has to offer. Recently, Allyson was named to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.
Words to live by:
“When I run, my prayer is not to win. My desire is that no matter the outcome of my race, that I glorify God with the talent he has blessed me with. I pray that my integrity and character are always a representation of my Savior.”
Follow Allyson on social media ~
IG: @af85
Twitter: @allysonfelix
MAGGIE STEFFENS is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and water polo player. She was a member of the 2012 and 2016 Olympic teams and ranks second on the all-time scoring list in Olympic history, with 38 goals.
Why we love her: In 2012, Maggie was named the best female water polo in the world by FINA and the female Water Polo Player of the Year by Swimming World Magazine. She also has experience playing professionally overseas in Hungary and Spain. Maggie is also the co-founder of 6-8 Sports with Olympian Tony Azevedo, with the hopes of paving the way for future water polo players at the collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels. Recently, Maggie participated in the Making Waves Movement, which aims to pursue racial diversity, equity, and equality in aquatics in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement
Words to live by:
“Never settle, never rest, work you hardest, no regrets. Your life is happening right now. What you do in these moments will determine tomorrow.”
Follow Maggie on social media ~
IG: @maggie.steffens
Twitter: @maggiesteffens