5 female influences in the sports industry

Photo+Courtesy+of+Wiki+Commons+

Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons

When it comes to sports, many people will think of teammates such as Adam Wainwright, Aaron Rodgers or even Antonio Brown. And while many people’s mind may go straight to a male, believe it or not, a bunch of the beloved sports teams are run by females or are influenced by women. Erin Andrews is the female lead behind Fox Sports and she has become one of the biggest personalities on Fox Sports. Jeanie Buss is the president of the Los Angeles Lakers following her father, who founded the L.A. Lakers. Below is a list of a few other woman who have made a lasting impact on the sports industry.

1. Michele Roberts

Roberts is the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association. She was also the first woman to lead a major sports league in North America.

2. Lesa France Kennedy

Sticking with the family business, Kennedy is the chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation and a member of the board of directors of NASCAR.

3. Serena Williams

Williams is a professional women’s tennis player. Williams reached a No. 1 ranking on July 8, 2002; she kept her ranking for 186 consecutive weeks.

4. Gabby Douglas

Twenty-two-year-old American gymnast, Douglas is the first African American female to become an individual champion and she is one of the two Americans to win multiple gold medals in a single Olympic Games.

5. Danica Patrick

Patrick has been a professional driver since 2002 when she signed with Rahal Letterman Racing. She is the second female to ever compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. She was also the first woman to lead the Indy 500.