Black Girl Magic was shining everywhere at the 2024 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPYS). With her charisma and poise, Serena Williams was brilliant as this year’s host. As always, her magnetic presence lit up the stage while her playful roasts and heartfelt tributes gave a refreshing vibe to everyone who attended. Serena’s performance not only celebrated a landmark year for women’s sports, but, being a strong athlete herself, she highlighted her own remarkable versatility beyond the tennis court, emphasizing her status as a true female icon. With this year being a landmark year for women’s sports, it is only necessary to highlight, acknowledge, and appreciate the black female athletes who made this landmark possible.
A’Ja Wilson, Simone Biles, JuJu Watkins, and Dawn Staley were the athletes honored and celebrated Thursday night for their amazing sports achievements. A’Ja Wilson received two awards: Best WNBA Player and Best Athlete in Women’s Sports. Dominating her opponents on the court with her ambition, leadership, and skill for the Las Vegas Aces, A’ja truly exemplifies what it means to be a hardworking champion.
Wilson did not let her talents end there after receiving a Championship title with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Bringing her abilities to the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson led the league in blocks, earning her first Defensive Player of the Year back in 2022 and gaining two WNBA titles back-to-back. Her achievements on and off the court make her an excellent role model, showing that hard work and determination pay off. Wilson said, “I wouldn’t be the player that I am today without you guys,” showing appreciation for everyone who has supported her. Her impact goes beyond sports, inspiring the next generation to dream big.
Simone Biles continues to surpass the gold standard in her sport. Earning the Best Comeback Athlete award at the ESPYS, Simone showed how resilient and strong she truly is. Already a 32-time medalist between the world championships and the Olympics, Biles felt that it simply wasn’t enough. Her toughness, strength, and flexibility show the strong and hardworking athlete she is, which is a great attribute and example for young girls looking up to her.
As a freshman at the University of Southern California (USC), while breaking records, earning titles, and gaining achievements, Watkins is nothing less than a superstar. Going to USC, she knew her talents would bring her and her teammates to the next level. As a freshman, Watkins set a new scoring record for Division one Women’s basketball by scoring 920 points and was voted Freshman of the Year. After all these achievements, it’s not surprising JuJu earned her way to receiving the Best Breakthrough Athlete of the Year at the ESPYS.
The Jimmy V Award is given to an individual who has overcome obstacles through perseverance and determination. Dawn Staley exemplifies leadership, hard work, and excellence as the University of South Carolina’s championship coach. Coach Staley has overcome many obstacles and advocated for others throughout her career.
Dawn says she is where she is today: “the fight for me, the unwillingness to give up, or to quit.” Describing herself as a doer, she focuses on removing obstacles from her path and those of others while striving to make them the best people they can be. As she describes how she went to every Chemo treatment of an Assistant Coach on her staff and the support and love she provided her sister during her fight with Cancer, she embodies kindness empathy, and a leader of leaders.
All these women continue to be outstanding athletes and inspirations for the younger generation looking up to them. Their ongoing hard work, perseverance, and determination are a perfect example of how to be a hard worker and what it takes to reach your goals. These women dominated this year’s ESPYS, and we can’t wait to see an increased inclusion in sports.