Considered by many as the best tennis player of all time, Serena Williams was first ranked No. 1 by the Women s Tennis Association on July 8, 2002, and has achieved this ranking six times; on February 18, 2013
Legendary U.S. striker Mia Hamm played a crucial role in the surge of popularity of women's soccer in America in the 1990s, leading Team USA to a historic win at the 1999 Women's World Cup and being named Women's FIFA World Player
American alpine skier Lindsey Vonn, who has represented the United States at three Olympic Games (2002, 2006, and 2010), earned two Olympic medals (gold and bronze) and is the most successful ski racer in American history
Mildred Babe Didrikson Zaharias, one of the most versatile female athletes ever, gained national attention at the 1932 Olympic Games, winning the 80 meter hurdles and javelin titles
American race driver Danica Patrick is the most successful woman in Indy Car racing history and is considered a pioneer for women in the sport.
American tennis player Billie Jean King, who competed professionally from 1959 to 1983, won 39 Grand Slam titles (12 singles, 16 women's doubles, and 11 mixed doubles), was the No. 1 ranked female tennis player in the world for several years in the 1970s
Standing at six feet, five inches, Lisa Leslie was the most dominant player in the Women's National Basketball Association, a three-time league MVP, and led the United States to four Olympic gold medals in 1996, 2001, 2004, and 2008.
Michelle Akers, who played on the U.S. Women's National Team from 1985 to 2000, led Team USA to its first two Women's World Cup victories in 1991 and 1999, and won the Golden Boot at the 1991 Women's World Cup for scoring 10 goals.
American speedskater Bonnie Blair competed in four Olympics, winning six medals, five of which were gold, making her one of the top female skaters of all time and one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic history.
American golfer Nancy Lopez competed professionally from 1977 to 2003 and is credited with saving the Ladies Professional Golf Association from an identity crisis in the late 1970s, having burst onto the scene at age 21