Top Women’s Sports Highlights of 2025 by The Athletic Writers
2025 was a landmark year for women’s sports. Exceptional performances, record-breaking moments, and a surge in global attention shaped the entire season.
Mikaela Shiffrin made a triumphant return to the slopes. Iga Świątek captured a historic Wimbledon victory. The year brimmed with stories of resilience and excellence, and honestly, it was hard not to get swept up in the excitement.
This blog post dives into the standout moments and achievements that defined women’s sports in 2025. Let’s highlight the athletes who grabbed headlines and the events that kept fans glued to their screens.
Unforgettable Moments in Women’s Sports
Table of Contents
2025 brought a flurry of unforgettable moments across all kinds of sports. These moments showed off the skill of female athletes and reflected the rising popularity and commercial buzz around women’s sports.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s 100th Career Win
Mikaela Shiffrin’s road to her 100th career win was packed with drama. After a brutal crash in Killington in November 2024, she fought her way back by February 2025.
Her win in Sestriere, Italy, became her 100th World Cup race victory. That’s resilience in action, and it’s honestly a reminder of just how wild the ride can be for top athletes.
Iga Świątek’s Double Bagel at Wimbledon
Iga Świątek made history at Wimbledon. She won the women’s singles final with a double bagel (6-0, 6-0), and that kind of dominance is rare at this level.
Świątek pulled this off after a tough stretch in her career, making her achievement even more jaw-dropping. Sometimes, you just have to marvel at greatness when you see it.
Rising Stars and Record-Breaking Performances
2025 also introduced new stars and shattered records, captivating fans and injecting fresh energy into women’s sports.
Paige Bueckers’ Storybook Ending
UConn’s Paige Bueckers wrapped up her college career with a fairytale ending. She led the Huskies to their 12th program title, overcoming multiple leg injuries along the way.
Her performance in the 2025 Final Four, especially as UConn rolled past UCLA and South Carolina, stands out as one of those moments that college basketball fans won’t soon forget.
Katie Taylor’s Historic Boxing Victory
Katie Taylor defended her undisputed junior welterweight title against Amanda Serrano in a landmark fight at Madison Square Garden. It was the first all-female boxing card at the Garden, with three undisputed and two unified title fights on the bill.
Taylor won by majority decision in front of a sellout crowd. That night felt like a turning point for women’s boxing—finally getting the respect and spotlight it deserves.
Team Successes and New Leagues
Team sports delivered their own share of memorable moments in 2025. New leagues and competitions only added to the buzz.
England’s Gritty European Championship Win
England’s women’s soccer team showed incredible grit to win the European Championship. Down 2-0 against Sweden in the quarterfinals, the Lionesses clawed their way back and took the match, eventually claiming the title.
Their never-give-up attitude was something else. That comeback? Easily one of the year’s most thrilling highlights.
Las Vegas Aces’ Dominance in the WNBA
The Las Vegas Aces kept their grip on the WNBA, snagging a third title in four seasons. A’ja Wilson, now a four-time MVP, played a massive role in their run.
Her game-winning shot in Game 3 of the Finals against the Phoenix Mercury sealed the deal. It was one of those moments that gets replayed again and again—clutch, under pressure, unforgettable.
Expansion and Growth in Women’s Sports
The growth of women’s sports in 2025 went far beyond individual and team achievements. New leagues and expansion efforts really helped raise the game’s profile worldwide.
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PWHL Expansion and Success
The Premier Hockey Federation (PWHL) added two new teams in Vancouver and Seattle, kicking off its first wave of expansion. Both teams quickly became competitive, drawing big crowds and turning heads with their business success.
The league’s plans for even more expansion in 2026—maybe up to four new teams—show just how popular and commercially viable women’s hockey has become. Feels like we’re witnessing something big.
New Leagues in Volleyball and Softball
Volleyball and softball welcomed new leagues in 2025, adding more options for female athletes. Fans seemed genuinely excited, and the buzz has only helped women’s sports grow more visible and diverse.
Challenges and Triumphs in Individual Sports
Individual athletes faced plenty of challenges—and some pretty remarkable triumphs—in 2025.
Trinity Rodman’s Emotional Return
Trinity Rodman’s return to the field after a back injury was a real gut-punch of a moment in the NWSL. She scored a game-winning goal for the Washington Spirit against the Portland Thorns, showing off her talent and grit.
Now, as a free agent, Rodman’s future is a hot topic. Keeping top talent like her in the league feels more important than ever.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Record-Breaking Run
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone switched from the 400-meter hurdles to the one-lap flat event, and wow, did it pay off. At the Japan National Stadium, she ran the second-fastest time ever by a woman in the 400 meters.
Her bold choice and huge success just underline her place as one of the most talented athletes of her era. Seriously, you have to respect that kind of risk-taking.
The Future of Women’s Sports
Looking ahead, the future for women’s sports seems brighter than ever. The achievements of 2025 have set the stage for even bigger things in 2026 and beyond.
Continued Growth and Expansion
The expansion of leagues like the PWHL and the launch of new competitions in volleyball and softball suggest a strong upward trend. As more opportunities open up, expect the talent pool to deepen and new stars to emerge—keeping fans hooked and the momentum rolling.
Increased Visibility and Recognition
Women’s sports keep grabbing more attention these days. That kind of visibility matters a lot for their growth.
Big events, jaw-dropping records, and those incredible stories of grit and success—they’re pulling in fans, media, and sponsors. It’s honestly hard not to get swept up in the excitement.
For more detailed insights and a closer look at some standout moments in women’s sports in 2025, check out the full article on The New York Times.