While household names like Serena Williams and Simone Biles dominate headlines, countless other female athletes are making waves in their respective sports with less fanfare. These athletes, often overshadowed by bigger stars, demonstrate exceptional skill, determination, and passion. Here are some of the most underrated female athletes you need to know and why they deserve your attention.
1. Crystal Dunn – Soccer
Crystal Dunn is a powerhouse on the field, excelling as a defender for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and the Portland Thorns in the NWSL. Her incredible versatility, coupled with her tactical brilliance, makes her an indispensable player in every match she participates in. Despite her pivotal role in team successes, including the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Dunn often doesn’t receive the same spotlight as some of her teammates.
- Why She’s Remarkable:
- Her versatility allows her to excel in multiple positions, whether as a defender, midfielder, or even a forward.
- She is celebrated for her speed, technical ability, and soccer IQ, which enable her to adapt to various tactical demands.
- Dunn is a vocal leader on and off the field, advocating for diversity and equality in sports.
- Achievements:
- FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion (2019).
- NWSL MVP (2015).
- Helped lead Portland Thorns to multiple league championships.
- Beyond the Field:
- Crystal is a prominent advocate for racial and gender equality in sports, using her platform to push for systemic changes.
- She engages in community outreach programs, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Crystal Dunn’s contributions go beyond her exceptional talent on the pitch. She is a role model whose resilience, leadership, and commitment to positive change make her an athlete everyone should know and admire.
2. Katie Taylor – Boxing
Katie Taylor is a trailblazer in women’s boxing, reigning as a multi-weight world champion and one of the most technically gifted fighters of her generation. Despite her numerous accolades, she remains underappreciated compared to male counterparts in the sport, underscoring the need for greater recognition of her contributions.
- Why She’s Remarkable:
- Her precision, speed, and ring intelligence make her a dominant force against any opponent.
- She has played a pivotal role in bringing women’s boxing into the mainstream, proving that female fighters can deliver just as much excitement and skill as their male peers.
- Taylor has helped pave the way for equal pay discussions and better opportunities for women in combat sports.
- Achievements:
- Olympic Gold Medalist (2012) in the lightweight division.
- Undisputed Lightweight Champion, holding titles from all four major sanctioning bodies.
- Recipient of multiple “Fighter of the Year” awards, recognizing her exceptional skill and impact.
- Beyond the Ring:
- Katie actively promotes boxing for young girls in Ireland and globally, creating opportunities for the next generation of female fighters.
- Her humility and grace outside the ring make her a relatable and inspiring figure for aspiring athletes.
Katie Taylor’s influence goes far beyond her sport. She embodies resilience, sportsmanship, and advocacy for women’s equality, solidifying her status as one of the most impactful athletes of her era.
3. Sydney McLaughlin – Track and Field
Sydney McLaughlin is redefining excellence in track and field with her record-breaking performances in the 400m hurdles. Despite her historic achievements, her name is often overshadowed by more widely recognized figures in athletics, making her an underrated gem in the sport.
- Why She’s Remarkable:
- McLaughlin has broken her own world record multiple times, showcasing unmatched consistency and relentless pursuit of perfection.
- Her technique and fluidity over hurdles make her a standout in a highly competitive field.
- She demonstrates exceptional mental strength, remaining composed under the immense pressure of global competitions.
- Achievements:
- Olympic Gold Medalist (2021) with a world-record time in the 400m hurdles.
- Current World Record Holder in the 400m hurdles.
- Multiple World Championship titles, solidifying her place as one of the greatest in the event.
- Beyond the Track:
- McLaughlin is an advocate for mental health, openly discussing the pressures of being an elite athlete.
- She inspires young athletes to dream big and pursue their goals with discipline and dedication.
Sydney McLaughlin’s dominance in her discipline is not just a testament to her hard work and natural talent but also a reflection of her ability to inspire others to push the limits of what’s possible in sports.
4. Emma Raducanu – Tennis
Emma Raducanu burst onto the tennis scene in 2021, winning the US Open as a qualifier—a feat that had never been achieved before. While her meteoric rise garnered attention, her immense potential to redefine the future of women’s tennis remains underappreciated by many.
- Why She’s Remarkable:
- Raducanu combines technical precision with mental resilience, excelling under the high-pressure situations of professional tennis.
- Her agility, court awareness, and ability to adapt mid-match showcase her tactical brilliance.
- As a multicultural athlete (British and Romanian-Chinese heritage), she’s become a global role model, resonating with diverse audiences.
- Achievements:
- US Open Champion (2021), becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam title.
- Youngest British player to win a Grand Slam, achieving the feat at just 18 years old.
- Awarded BBC Sports Personality of the Year (2021).
- Beyond the Court:
- Raducanu’s humility and grounded personality have earned her admiration off the court.
- She’s actively involved in initiatives promoting sports among young girls, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
Emma Raducanu’s story is one of extraordinary talent, perseverance, and inspiration. As she continues to hone her craft, her journey promises to leave an indelible mark on the tennis world and beyond.
5. Chloe Kim – Snowboarding
Chloe Kim is a dominant force in snowboarding, captivating audiences worldwide with her fearless approach to the halfpipe. As one of the youngest athletes to achieve multiple Olympic gold medals, her legacy continues to grow, yet she often flies under the radar compared to athletes in more mainstream sports.
- Why She’s Remarkable:
- Chloe consistently pushes the boundaries of snowboarding with groundbreaking tricks, including her signature back-to-back 1080s.
- Her innovative style and precision make her a fan favorite, redefining what’s possible in the sport.
- She’s an outspoken advocate for mental health, openly discussing the challenges of balancing elite competition with personal well-being.
- Achievements:
- Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2018, 2022) in the halfpipe.
- Multiple X Games Gold Medals, cementing her dominance in competitive snowboarding.
- Youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding gold medal at age 17.
- Beyond the Slopes:
- Chloe has used her platform to inspire young athletes, particularly women and girls, to take up snowboarding and action sports.
- She collaborates with organizations to promote outdoor activities and environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting the natural world.
Chloe Kim’s skill, charisma, and advocacy make her a standout athlete deserving of greater recognition. Her contributions to snowboarding and her influence off the slopes highlight the multifaceted impact of her career.
6. Hidilyn Diaz – Weightlifting
Hidilyn Diaz etched her name in history by becoming the first Filipino athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, a groundbreaking achievement that spotlighted her perseverance and dedication. Her journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of weightlifting is nothing short of inspiring.
- Why She’s Remarkable:
- Diaz broke barriers for athletes from underrepresented nations, proving that talent and determination can overcome limited resources.
- She exemplifies resilience, having trained under challenging circumstances, including makeshift gym setups and limited funding.
- Her win brought a renewed focus on the importance of supporting athletes from developing countries.
- Achievements:
- Olympic Gold Medalist (2020), setting a new Olympic record in the women’s 55kg category.
- Multiple medals at the Asian Games and World Weightlifting Championships.
- Recognized as a national hero in the Philippines, earning accolades and inspiring a generation.
- Beyond the Platform:
- Diaz has become an advocate for sports development in the Philippines, pushing for better facilities and funding for future athletes.
- She supports aspiring weightlifters through her foundation, providing equipment and training opportunities.
Hidilyn Diaz’s story is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her legacy extends far beyond her gold medal, inspiring millions worldwide to dream big and work hard.
7. A’ja Wilson – Basketball
A’ja Wilson has established herself as one of the most dominant players in the WNBA, leading the Las Vegas Aces to multiple playoff appearances and a championship. Despite her incredible achievements, she often doesn’t receive the same level of attention as male basketball stars, making her one of the sport’s most underrated athletes.
- Why She’s Remarkable:
- Wilson excels in all facets of the game, from scoring and rebounding to defense and leadership on the court.
- She is a consistent performer under pressure, delivering in crucial moments during high-stakes games.
- As a vocal advocate for social justice, she champions causes such as racial equality and gender equity, leveraging her platform to inspire change.
- Achievements:
- Two-time WNBA MVP (2020, 2022), recognized for her outstanding contributions on the court.
- Led the Las Vegas Aces to their first WNBA Championship (2022).
- NCAA Champion (2017) with the University of South Carolina, where she was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
- Beyond Basketball:
- Wilson founded the A’ja Wilson Foundation, which focuses on education and resources for children with dyslexia, a cause close to her heart.
- She frequently speaks out about mental health awareness, encouraging athletes to prioritize their well-being.
A’ja Wilson’s impact extends far beyond basketball. She is a trailblazer, both as an athlete and as an advocate, making her a true role model who deserves more recognition for her contributions on and off the court.
Celebrating the Underrated
While these athletes may not always dominate the headlines, their contributions to sports and society are undeniably impactful. Each of these women exemplifies excellence, determination, and the power to inspire others both within and beyond their respective fields. By recognizing their achievements and supporting their endeavors, fans can help bring much-needed attention to these trailblazers.
Highlighting and celebrating underrated athletes not only elevates their profiles but also shifts the narrative to ensure that talent and dedication are recognized across the board. Let’s continue to champion these remarkable women and ensure their legacies are appreciated for generations to come.