National Black Women in Sports Day, observed annually on July 7, recognizes the achievements and influence of Black women across every level of sports, from athletes and coaches to executives, journalists and trailblazers shaping the industry’s future.
The observance also provides an opportunity to spotlight the next wave of stars. While household names such as A’ja Wilson and Coco Gauff continue to inspire millions, a new generation of Black female athletes and sports professionals is quietly building résumés worthy of national attention.
Whether shining on the professional stage or rising through the college ranks, here are six Black women in sports to add to your watch list.
Amari Avery
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Amari Avery, 21, has long been considered one of the brightest young stars in American golf. After a decorated junior career and standout college performances at USC, Avery turned professional in 2024 and joined the Epson Tour, the LPGA’s official developmental circuit.
She earned her first professional win at the 2026 IOA Championship in April, becoming the first Black winner on the Epson Tour in 12 years. Avery, who has been outspoken about no Black golfers having an LPGA win, is helping broaden representation in the sport through her play.
Brehanna Daniels
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Brehanna Daniels has carved out a unique place in motorsports as the first Black woman to work on a NASCAR pit crew. Daniels, a race car tire changer, has helped redefine who belongs in one of the fastest, most physically demanding jobs in racing.
A former college basketball player at Norfolk State in the mid-2010s, Daniels has become a visible advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsports, using her platform to inspire young women to pursue careers in the sport both on and off the track.
Michaela Edenfield
Before she steps behind the plate, Florida State alumna Michaela Edenfield has already made a statement with her signature makeup.
Edenfield, a catcher for the Texas Volts of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), has garnered attention for her colorful, dramatic looks ranging from Juneteenth-inspired designs to Pride Month patterns. Now in her second season with the Volts, she has appeared in 11 games and hit one home run.
Daphanie LaShaunn
Aja Smith, known to fans as “Ref Bae” Daphanie LaShaunn, has become one of the most recognizable officials in WWE. After beginning her officiating career with NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, she has earned assignments on nationally televised shows SmackDown and Raw, as well as high-profile championship matches, establishing herself as one of the company’s most trusted referees.
She made history at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, becoming the first Black female referee to work a WrestleMania match. As her profile grows, LaShaunn is showing that impact in sports isn’t limited to athletes in the spotlight.
Alycia Parks
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At 25 years old, tennis player Alycia Parks possesses one of the most explosive serves on the WTA tour. In her first Grand Slam appearance at the U.S. Open in 2021, she tied Venus Williams’ record for the fastest women’s serve in the event’s history, hitting 129 mph.
Her power-first style has produced victories over top-ranked opponents, and she is currently ranked in the top 100 in WTA singles rankings. Parks advanced to the second round in women’s singles and doubles at Wimbledon before losing in both last week.
Kiona Westerlund
Kiona “Ki’Lolo” Westerlund is helping shape the future of flag football, one of America’s fastest-growing sports. A standout on the 2024 U.S. girls’ 17U national team, Westerlund now competes at Alabama State for the nation’s first NCAA Division I HBCU women’s flag football program.
Her rising profile extends beyond the field. She was featured in an NFL Super Bowl LIX commercial celebrating the growth of girls’ flag football and signed a name, image and likeness deal with Adidas in June. As flag football prepares for its Olympics debut in 2028, Westerlund is emerging as one of the athletes raising the profile of the game.
The post Remember these names: Here are 6 Black women on the rise in sports with résumés worth your attention appeared first on Andscape.
