Inspiring Women in Sports
Every day, I see how the media spotlights phenomenal women leading extraordinary performances across courts, fields, and pitches. These athletes are inspiring. But, beyond the incredible stories of competition, there are three women who deeply inspire me through their remarkable achievements in sports and through the values they exemplify: Servant leadership, Ownership, Unity and Purpose – what I affectionately call my "SOUP."
Natalie Nakase
Natalie isn't just someone I admire from afar; I'm genuinely honored to call her a friend. Her career trajectory across 16 impactful years coaching basketball, including a significant tenure with the LA Clippers, has uniquely prepared her for leadership roles like the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA. Natalie embodies the essence of servant leadership and passion for the game, as evidenced by her contributions to consecutive WNBA Championships for the Las Vegas Aces (2022 and 2023). Our paths crossed on a panel discussion post-COVID, and I've witnessed firsthand her humility, strength and fierce determination. Natalie’s ability to embrace growth opportunities and lead authentically makes her an inspiring example of leadership, both on and off the court.
Billie Jean King
While living in New York City in my 20’s, I became involved with the Women’s Sports Foundation. There, I had the incredible privilege of interacting with Billie Jean King. Billie Jean is renowned for her historic win against Bobby Riggs in 1973 – a victory that transcended sports. Yet, her legacy goes far beyond this moment in more sports than tennis – soccer and baseball, for example. The Women's Sports Foundation, established by Billie Jean, fuels groundbreaking research, financially supports aspiring athletes and advocates for women globally. Sports, then, had not yet fully embraced women as sports experts or reporters. As a young sports media professional in the late 1990s, it was among the members of WSF that I felt supported and encouraged. Decades later, in March 2021, Billie Jean personally encouraged me during the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, recognizing my efforts in men's professional football and urging more women to step boldly into leadership, decision-making and ownership roles. Her words profoundly influenced me, personally inspiring me to embrace sports team ownership. A year later, I became the first minority woman to own and lead a professional men’s football team. Her encouragement became a cornerstone of my journey. Thank you, Billie Jean, for your fearless leadership.
Michelle Kang
Michelle Kang is someone I deeply admire, even though we've never met personally. Her dedication to advancing women’s sports through substantial financial investments and visionary ownership resonates profoundly with me. Under her organization, Kynisca, Michelle holds majority stakes in influential women’s soccer teams like Washington Spirit (NWSL), Olympique Lyonnais Féminin (French Première Ligue) and London City Lionesses (English Women’s Championship). Michelle’s historic philanthropic commitments - such as her landmark $30 million donation to U.S. Soccer’s women’s and girls’ programs -demonstrate her passion for cultivating unity and opportunity within women’s sports. Her recent expansion, donating $4 million to the U.S. Women's Rugby Sevens, further underscores her remarkable ownership in elevating women's athletics.
All three of these women made an impact in my own life and career decisions – and inspired me to keep going. Natalie, Billie Jean and Michelle exemplify SOUP in action. These are women who serve their communities, take bold ownership of their missions, unify teams around powerful visions and pour passion into everything they do to serve a bigger purpose. Whether through personal friendship, shared professional circles, or inspirational actions from afar, these women challenge and motivate me daily. They represent the very best of leadership - not just in sports but across all facets of life.
