Women In Sports: Ones To Watch In 2017 – Forbes

Welcome, 2017!

2016 was a remarkable year for women in sports. Simone Biles tumbled into Olympic records books by making flipping on a four-inch balance beam look easy. Another Simone – Manuel – broke stereotypes and smashed swimming records.

The UConn Women’s Basketball won its fourth consecutive national title in commanding fashion; despite what anyone says, dominating is not bad for basketball. And Monica Abbott showed the world what a $1 million fastpitch looks like.

FIFA’s secretary general Fatma Samoura speaks during the Soccerex Global Convention 2016 in Manchester, north-west England, on September 26, 2016. / AFP / Anthony Devlin (Photo credit should read ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Whether it was shattering records or fighting for gender equity, women in 2016 demonstrated that the immortal words of W.E.B Dubois remain true: “There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise.”

No pressure 2017, you have mighty large shoes to fill; but we have faith in you. There are accomplished athletes and executives who are primed to fiercely dominate the sports industry by breaking barriers and defying stereotypes. Here are women in sports to watch in 2017…

Jemele Hill, His & Hers Co-Host, ESPN

Hill joined ESPN in 2006 as a national columnist. While she gradually began making television appearances, it was the chemistry behind the podcast – His & Hers – that resonated with ESPN’s audience. Its success led to a weekday sports discussion show – of the same name – where Hill and co-host, Michael Smith, debate sports storylines and current social dialogue. Hill recently signed a multi-year extension with ESPN; in February, look for her behind the SportsCenter anchor desk.

On a memorable accomplishment from 2016: A sentence I never thought I’d say: Jemele Hill, 6:00 P.M., SportsCenter anchor. I never could have imagined any scenario where that would be possible. When I think about the fact that ESPN trusted us to take care of their baby — the SportsCenter brand — it’s still mind blowing.