Over the last decade Women’s sports have become tremendously popular. One can just  look at women’s basketball and tennis as an example. An interesting article in the NY Times by Michael Kimmelman, exemplifies the point of how strong women’s athletics have become. The notorious sisters, Venus and Serena are praised for their strength, and powerful hits against their opponents. Serena with a height of 5ft 10 inches, and Venus slightly over 6 ft, have reigned champions in both singles and Women’s doubles.  The sisters have raised the bar for everyone in the championships, making players work their best at a 85 to 95% rate.  Venus agrees by saying, “Serena and I did change the game, and it’s interesting to see people on court now trying to do all our moves. To be that person, the one who changed the game, wow, that’s too good to be true.”

As for basketball, Cynthia Cooper has been considered  one of the best women’s basketball players of all time. She played for the Houston Comets for four years, and received 3 medals for Pan of American Games in 1987, the Olympic Games in 1988, and FIBA World Championships in 1990. The next wonder star might as well be Candace Parker of the Los Angeles’ Sparks. She is known as the first woman to dunk in the NCAA tournament, as well as dunking twice in college basketball. She plays many versatile roles, but mainly as a forward. She was a member of a team that won both 2007 and 2008 NCAA championships. She also won Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Award for favorite female athletic.

The rising stars of women’s sports are driven by passion and power. The competition is raised and players and teams are working harder to receive recognition. These known stars are giving inspiration and hope for young girl athletes, who want to be the next Serena or Candace.