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16 of the Best Female Football Players To Know

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Once sidelined and underestimated, women’s football has risen with remarkable force over the past two decades — transforming from a marginalized pursuit into a global movement. Historic wins, record-breaking transfers, sold-out stadiums and increasing media coverage have all signaled a long-overdue shift. Yet, the fight isn’t over. Female players continue to push for parity in pay, resources, visibility and respect — not just as athletes, but as voices for equity and change. We need to continue to champion and celebrate the women at the heart of that evolution.

So, we’ve rounded up some of the best female footballers around the world — from Beth Mead‘s creative dominance at Arsenal W.F.C and outspoken advocacy and Bunny Shaw‘s Golden Boot-winning brilliance for Manchester City Womens to Ada Hegerberg‘s pioneering stand for equality, each of these athletes embody more than just skill, they represent resilience, leadership and vision. With the Euros 2025 currently playing out in Switzerland, we wanted to include the players we are keeping an eye on, too.  There obviously so many more than these sixteen amazing players to have on your radar, but keep scrolling to see some of our absolute faves.

Alexia Putellas

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,
A midfield magician for both Spain and FC Barcelona, Alexia Putellas is arguably one of the game’s most influential figures today. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner and Nike ambassador is a symbol of technical excellence and is leading Spain’s Euro 2025 campaign with calm authority and pinpoint passing precision. Whether orchestrating play from midfield or showing up in a tailored suit (she’s fronted fashion campaign for Mango before) she totally owns the moment. Though she has nothing to prove in this tournament, she did miss the last Euros after tearing a ligament and has made her return to the pitch completely unmissable. She came back in early 2023 and went on to win that year’s World Cup.

Klara Bühl

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,
Klara Bühl brings electric pace and Gen Z energy to both Germany and Bayern Munich. She’s only 24 but is already approaching 70 caps and has won four Bundesliga titles with Bayern. A creative forward with the ability to shift momentum in a split second, she’s been crucial in Germany’s efforts at Euro 2025. On the pitch, she’s all about directness and flair; off it, she’s quickly become one of football’s emerging style muses. (She isn’t sponsored by a brand yet, so definitely one to watch.) But she’s also got quite the side-hustles, too. During the men’s Euros last summer she wrote a column for Zeit Online, dishing tea and insights about the difference between how men and women approach the beautiful game. She’s also quite the crochet queen.

Sandy Baltimore

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,
Sandy Baltimore doesn’t do quiet entries. Whether it’s a breakneck run down the wing or showing up in head-to-toe Martine Rose, the Chelsea and France star is pure statement energy. At Euro 2025, she’s bringing that same edge, adding creativity, tempo and unpredictability to France’s attacking setup. The 25-year-old winger can play on the left or right, at wing-back or in midfield, just enjoyed the best season of her career, winning all three domestic titles with the Blues, so is going into the Euros on a real high.

Alisha Lehmann

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,
Alisha Lehmann has the kind of profile most players dream about: equal parts footballer, influencer and pop culture magnet. Representing hosts Switzerland at Euro 2025, the Juventus winger brings flair and tenacity on the pitch, while her off-pitch life has made her a social media phenomenon with 16.8+ million followers. She works with brands like Adidas, EA Sports and Boomerang Sportsbook, and has modelled for lingerie brand Tezenis. Beyond that, she’s outspoken on gender pay equity and is constantly challenging stereotypes, creating meaningful discourse around representation in sport. Her time in the Euros has been limited so far, but her role for the host nation is huge nonetheless.

Michelle Agyemang

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,
Three-and-a-half years ago Agyemang was a ballgirl for an England match at Wembley. Fast forward to her England debut in April 2025 and she scored a stunning goal against Belgium just 41 seconds into hitting the pitch, and with only her second touch. Currently on loan to Brighton from Arsenal, the forward was named Brighton’s Young Player of the Year after a breakthrough WSL season this year and is becoming known for her authenticity on and off the pitch. Less about edited reels and more about earning every split second, she’s arguably England’s most exciting breakout stars.  She may be a super-sub, deployed by England coach Sarina Wiegman to cause major disruption at the Euros 2025, but she’s already cementing herself as one to watch at just 19.

Lia Wälti

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,
A calm presence in the midfield and captain of the host nation Switzerland, Lia Wälti brings poise, precision and serious leadership to Euro 2025. After a major health scare last year and losing her starting lineup spot at Arsenal, she remains a key player for the national team and has made a stronger, more vocal return to the game, especially about subjects related to resilience, mental health and growing the women’s game. Together with her sister, Meret, Wälti published a children’s book Lia am Ball in early 2025, which tells the story of a girl who loved playing football and chose her own path. She’s also quietly using her platform to highlight Swiss culture and wellness, running a behind-the-scenes series called Lia’s Switzerland.

Alessia Russo

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,
A Champions League winner with Arsenal and a member of the 50+ England caps club, Alessia Russo doesn’t just score goals, she is also busy building brands. Taking the charge for England’s front line at Euro 2025, the Arsenal striker is part Lioness, part CEO. Russo’s launched her own label, ET7, turning her signature into a fashion-forward identity that reflects her dual interest in performance and personal style. On the pitch, she’s sharp, instinctive and physical. The former Manchester United striker was the WSL’s joint top-scorer this past season with 12 league goals, alongside Khadija “Bunny” Shaw.

Vivianne Miedema

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,
We’re aware Netherlands didn’t make the Euros 2025 quarterfinals, but still, Vivianne Miedema deserves a mention. Considered a living legend, Miedema scored her milestone 100th goal for the Netherlands during the opening match against Wales in the Euro 2025 making her the first Dutch player – male or female – to reach that accolade. Leading the Dutch line, the Arsenal striker combines ruthless finishing with a cerebral, unflashy brilliance. After a long injury layoff (she tore her cruciate ligaments with her former club, Arsenal, in December 2022) her comeback narrative has become a source of inspiration for many. She’s since moved to Manchester City and is also known for championing social causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, and is an active member of the Common Goal movement, which encourages athletes to donate 1% of their salaries to community organizations.

Beth Mead

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,

Beth Mead joined Arsenal Women’s Football Club in January 2017 from Sunderland, UK, and has since become one of the team’s most influential players. Initially a central striker, Mead transitioned into a wide attacking role at Arsenal, where her creativity, pace, and vision have flourished. She is renowned for her ability to deliver precise crosses and create chances, holding the record for being one of the top three players with the most assists in the Women’s Super League (WSL). On the social front, Mead has continued to use her platform for good — most recently teaming up with Arsenal and Persil in a powerful campaign challenging the stigma around periods in sport, helping to create a more open and supportive environment for young athletes everywhere.

Bunny Shaw

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,

Since joining Manchester City Women in 2021, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw quickly made herself one of the most dangerous strikers in the WSL. With her mix of strength, smart movement and sharp finishing, she’s become the focal point of City’s attack. In the 2023–2024 season, she scored 21 goals in just 18 games — enough to win the WSL Golden Boot even after an injury ended her season early. Her link-up play with teammates like Lauren Hemp has been key to City’s success, and her ability to hold up the ball and finish under pressure sets her apart. Off the pitch, she’s captain of Jamaica and their all-time top scorer, proving her impact goes far beyond club level.

Mayra Ramirez

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,

Born and raised in Colombia, Mayra Ramírez joined Chelsea W.F.C. in January 2024 as the most expensive signing in women’s football history at the time. (Her £384k deal was later overshadowed by Naomi Girma in at the beginning of 2025.) Ramírez’s journey reflects serious dedication — before turning pro, she travelled 35 kilometres from her hometown of Sibaté each day to train, a work ethic that still defines her game. Known for her power, athleticism and goal-scoring ability, she made an immediate impact at Chelsea. In the final game of 2024-2025’s season, she scored twice and assisted two more in a 6–0 win over Manchester United Women to help seal the WSL title. She carried that momentum into this year, playing a key role in her team’s 3-0 triumph over Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final. Strong, direct and technically sharp, she’s added real presence to Chelsea’s front line, especially in the absence of Sam Kerr, and has quickly adapted to the pace and demands of the English game.

Fridolina Rolfö

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,

Hailing from Sweden, Fridolina Rolfö is a key player for FC Barcelona Femeni since arriving in 2021, bringing strength, pace and versatility to the team. Usually out on the left wing but just as comfortable leading the line, she’s no stranger to the big stage, with her winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final proof of that. Off the pitch, Rolfö is equally driven. In our recent interview, she spoke openly about the importance of giving women’s football the same visibility, accessibility and funding as the men’s game. It’s something she’s passionate about, and as a PUMA ambassador, she uses her voice to help push the sport forward while continuing to perform at the highest level.

Trinity Rodman

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,

In 2023, Trinity Rodman became the youngest player in WSL history to hit double digits for both goals and assists and to this present day, she’s a key force for both the Washington Spirit and the U.S. Women’s National Team, the latter team she won Olympic gold with in 2024. But there’s more to her than highlight reels. During her episode of Alex Cooper‘s Call Her Daddy podcast last year, she spoke candidly about growing up largely without her father, NBA legend Dennis Rodman, and the ongoing challenges in their relationship — a side of her story fans rarely see. Still, she’s carving her own path, combining fearless play with a powerful voice off the pitch. As an Adidas athlete and author of a children’s book, she’s using her platform to push for better visibility and investment in women’s sport.

Racheal Kundananji

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,

Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji is known for her exceptional goal-scoring prowess — netting 33 goals in 43 Liga F appearances, playing a pivotal role in this landmark move. In february last year, she joined Bay FC from Madrid CFF for $788,000 at just 23. Her expensive transfer is thanks to her exceptional dribbling, goal-scoring ability and knack for breaking down defenses. With all her achievements, she’s proved her consistency and impact on the field. Kundananji is already a key figure for both club and country, and before turning pro, she played barefoot in local Zambian tournaments, showcasing her passion and determination from a young age.

Ada Hegerberg

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,

In 2018, Ada Hegerberg became the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or, cementing her status as one of the game’s greats. As Lyon’s star striker, she holds the all-time record for goals in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and has helped the club to multiple European titles. But her impact goes beyond the pitch. In 2017, she stepped away from Norway‘s national team in protest over gender inequality in football, returning five years later when she felt progress had been made. Now back as captain, she continues to lead by example.

Sakina Karchaoui

Womens Football, Fridolina Rolfo, Trinity Rodman, Myra Ramirez, Washington Spirit, Beth Mead, Arsenal, Chelsea, Ada Hederberg, Bunny Shaw, Manchester City W.F.C,

Sakina Karchaoui has become a standout figure in French football, known for her dynamic play and leadership on the field. Born in Salon-de-Provence in 1996, she began her football journey playing with boys in her neighborhood, but her professional career took off with Montpellier, followed by a stint at Lyon and now, she brings her talents to Paris Saint-Germain. Karchaoui’s versatility has seen her excel as both a left-back and a midfielder, a transition encouraged by former coach Hervé Renard, who recognized her potential to influence the game more centrally. Beyond her club success, Karchaoui has been a vital part of the French national team, earning over 85 caps and contributing to their international campaigns.





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Texas A&M tops Kentucky for first NCAA volleyball championship: ‘We sent a warning shot out to the world’

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With Texas A&M up 24-20 in the third set of the NCAA women’s volleyball title match, Maddie Waak set the ball for Ifenna Cos-Okpalla. Though Logan Lednicky and Kyndal Stowers had played bigger games for the Aggies, it was Cos-Okpalla who got the call for the championship point.

She elevated and slammed the ball in between Kentucky’s defenders at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. With that kill, Texas A&M won an improbable national title, 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-20).

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“They’re putting on t-shirts behind me. I can’t believe it. I’m still a little bit in disbelief,” Aggies coach Jamie Morrison said to ABC after the game. “We sent a warning shot out to the world about what we’re about.”

Kentucky, the No. 1 seed, started out strong in the first set. They built a lead as big as six points before Texas A&M started chipping away, eventually winning the set, 26-24. With that momentum, the Aggies owned the next two sets. Lednicky was the star of the match with 7 kills, 11 digs and 2 blocks. With every point won, Texas A&M’s confidence grew.

Kentucky was the third No. 1 seed that Texas A&M — a third seed — beat on the way to the national title, and every win from the Sweet 16 on was shocking. First, the Aggies came back from 2-0 to pull the reverse sweep against Louisville. Next, Texas A&M had to face undefeated, No. 1 overall seed Nebraska in Lincoln. In what was the best game of the tournament, the Aggies beat Nebraska in five sets.

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But their magic didn’t stop once the Aggies got to Kansas City. In the national semifinal, they swept No. 1 seed Pittsburgh, the first time the Panthers had been swept all season. And then in the first-ever All-SEC final, the Aggies came out victorious.

Unlike Kentucky, which won the national title in 2020 and has been one of the top teams in women’s volleyball for years, Texas A&M is a newcomer to volleyball’s elite. Though it had some good teams over the years that made it to the Elite Eight, this was the program’s first Final Four and their first national title.

Morrison took over the program in 2023, and held onto Lednicky and Cos-Okpalla. The Aggies turned the program around quickly, earning a bid to the tournament in 2023 and then making it to the Sweet 16 in 2024. This year, the Aggies went 29-4 and looked like a team on the brink. But with so many seniors, they had no time to waste and adopted the mentality of “Why not us?”

Lednicky, who played with the U.S. national team over the summer, was the heart of this team’s championship run, and the player who kept asking “Why not us?” Stowers’ comeback might be one of the best sports stories of the year. While playing for Baylor, she suffered concussions and medically retired from the sport. But after being medically cleared and deciding she had more to give to the sport, Stowers signed with Texas A&M and is now a national champion.

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Morrison has built a program that is not only a national champion, but is in a great position to continue to grow volleyball in Texas. While he will lose seniors like Lednicky and Waak, he can now show off a championship ring while on the recruiting trail.

But figuring out who will play for the Aggies next season is tomorrow’s problem. Today, Texas A&M gets to celebrate how it defied the odds to win the school’s first-ever national title in women’s volleyball.



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Kentucky vs. Texas A&M NCAA Volleyball Championship: How to watch, preview

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Kentucky volleyball will look to win its second national title in five years on Sunday when it takes on Texas A&M in Kansas City.How to watchSunday’s game tips off at 3:30 p.m. at the T-Mobile Center. It will air on ABC.PreviewKentucky comes to the game on Sunday with the edge. The Cats are No. 2 overall in the NCAA ranking, and they have previously beaten the No. 6 Aggies 3-1 in October. That game, an A&M home game, saw then No. 3 Kentucky face off against No. 9 Texas A&M, but since that meet-up, the Cats have not lost a single game, and the Aggies are right behind them with a single loss to home state rival Texas. The Wildcats have won 27 straight games, 30-2 overall, with their last loss in September to Pittsburgh. Texas A&M comes in 28-4 overall, with a five-game win streak, after their loss to Texas destroyed their 11-game win streak.Kentucky is no stranger to the NCAA championship. The Cats snagged their first title in 2020 after they beat Texas 3-1 in Omaha. Texas A&M has not made an appearance at the NCAA championship but has finished in the top ten four times in the last five years, finishing in fifth place in 2024.

Kentucky volleyball will look to win its second national title in five years on Sunday when it takes on Texas A&M in Kansas City.

How to watch

Sunday’s game tips off at 3:30 p.m. at the T-Mobile Center. It will air on ABC.

Preview

Kentucky comes to the game on Sunday with the edge. The Cats are No. 2 overall in the NCAA ranking, and they have previously beaten the No. 6 Aggies 3-1 in October. That game, an A&M home game, saw then No. 3 Kentucky face off against No. 9 Texas A&M, but since that meet-up, the Cats have not lost a single game, and the Aggies are right behind them with a single loss to home state rival Texas.

The Wildcats have won 27 straight games, 30-2 overall, with their last loss in September to Pittsburgh. Texas A&M comes in 28-4 overall, with a five-game win streak, after their loss to Texas destroyed their 11-game win streak.

Kentucky is no stranger to the NCAA championship. The Cats snagged their first title in 2020 after they beat Texas 3-1 in Omaha.

Texas A&M has not made an appearance at the NCAA championship but has finished in the top ten four times in the last five years, finishing in fifth place in 2024.



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Texas A&M volleyball beats Kentucky to win national title

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NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! – Texas A&M Athletics

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Texas A&M Aggies overwhelmed the Kentucky Wildcats in the final two sets of a 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-18) victory to claim the school’s first-ever NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship Sunday evening inside the T-Mobile Center.

 

Entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed in the Lincoln Regional, Texas A&M (29-4) completed a postseason sweep of three of the tournament’s No. 1 seeds, beating Nebraska (3-2) and Pitt (3-0) before dispatching of Kentucky (30-3). The last three teams the Maroon & White beat were a combined 93-6 before their respective seasons were ended.

 

The Aggies became the ninth team in the 45-year history of the NCAA Championship to sweep both of their Final Four matches.

 

The Maroon & White never trailed in the last two sets. The opportunistic Aggies took advantage of the Wildcats’ nine service errors and 16 attack errors.

 

Kyndal Stowers was named the NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player. She capped off the tournament with a .304 attack percentage, 10 kills, six digs, two service aces and one block in the triumph over Kentucky. Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, Logan Lednicky and Ava Underwood joined Stowers on the All-Tournament Team.

 

Texas A&M claimed the first set despite not leading until 25-24. The Wildcats pounced on the Aggies in the first set for a 9-3 advantage. Kentucky led by six on eight more occasions, before the Maroon & White clawed back into the contest. An 8-2 run, featuring two kills each by Cos-Okpalla and Lednicky, tied the contest at 20-20. With the set seesawing, the Wildcats had its first set point at 24-23, but Stowers sandwiched two kills around a block assist by Cos-Okpalla and Maddie Waak for the smash and grab.

 

The second set was tied twice early before the Aggies broke away. Back-to-back kills by Lednicky and a service ace by Cos-Okpalla allowed Texas A&M to open a 5-2 lead. The Maroon & White suffocated the Wildcats with a 13-3 run to open its biggest lead of the set at 19-8. Kentucky would draw no closer than seven the remainder of the set.

 

After Kentucky opened the third set with a service error, Cos-Okpalla put aways two kills to start a 6-1 surge out of the gate. The Wildcats cut the deficit to 10-8, but 9-3 charge by Texas A&M widened the lead to 19-11. Big Blue was closed the gap to four at 24-20, but it was too little, too late as Cos-Okpalla uncorked a booming kill for the final point.

 

STAT LEADERS

Kills – Logan Lednicky – 11

Hitting Percentage (Min. 10 kills) – Kyndal Stowers – .304

Assists – Maddie Waak – 29

Aces – Ifenna Cos-Okpalla; Maddie Waak – 2 

Digs – Ava Underwood – 10

Blocks – Ifenna Cos-Okpalla – 4

 

GAME NOTES

  • Logan Lednicky recorded her 23nd-consecutive game with 10 or more kills.
  • Ifenna Cos-Okpalla set the Texas A&M career record for blocks, wrapping up with 566. She also inflated her single-season school record to 199.
  • Jamie Morrison joined John Dunning (first year) and Michael Sealy (second year) as one of three coaches two win an NCAA Division I Volleyball tournament in their first three years as a head coach.
  • The Aggies beat all four of the No. 1 seeds of the NCAA Championship, beating Texas (3-2) in the regular season and Nebraska (3-2), Pitt (3-0) and Kentucky (3-0).

 

FOLLOW THE AGGIES

Visit 12thMan.com for more information on Texas A&M volleyball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M volleyball team on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter by following @AggieVolleyball.





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Alumni Spotlight: Aviana “Avi” Goode ’20

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Aviana K. Goode ’20
Track and Field

Aviana, also known as Avi, is no stranger to success on the track. Before turning 18, Avi had already won three state championships and earned multiple bronze medals, along with a silver, while competing for her high school track team — and even added a school record in the process. Her winning nature carried over to Syracuse where she balanced being a student and an athlete, studying Communication and Rhetorical Studies at VPA and Sports Revenue Management & Operations at Falk College. This balance paid off as she earned top-six finishes at the 2019 ACC Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the high jump. She continued to add to her long list of track achievements during her graduate transfer year when she competed for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) where she previously held the indoor program record for 60m hurdles and the outdoor record for the 100m hurdles and heptathlon. Although she no longer competes on the track, she has found a new way to stay involved with the sport she loves.

It was always Aviana’s dream to earn a trip to TrackTown USA in Eugene, Oregon. For those who may not know, TrackTown is a world-class track and field facility organizing events such as the 2015, 2022, 2023 USATF Outdoor Championships and the 2016, 2020, and 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Aviana’s dream to make it to TrackTown USA, also known as Hayward Field, came true when she was selected as one of four photographers to cover the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials as park of the Black Women Photographers and TrackTown USA creative team.

Noah Lyles coming out of the blocks at U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Credit: Aviana Goode/@goode.flicks
Noah Lyles coming out of the blocks at U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Credit: Aviana Goode/@goode.flicks

“It was surreal,” Aviana said. “My goal in life, in track and field specifically, was always to make it to Hayward Field. It was supposed to be as an athlete, but I guess God had different plans for me. I ended up there with a whole new lens, literally and figuratively.”

Aviana spent over a week at TrackTown shooting world-class athletes like Olympic champion and eight-time World Champion, Noah Lyles, Olympic long jump champion, Tara Davis-Woodhall, and even Olympian and World Record breaker, Sydney McLaughlin.


 

Tara Davis-Woodhall competing in long jump at U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Credit: Aviana Goode/@goode.flicks
Tara Davis-Woodhall competing in long jump at U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Credit: Aviana Goode/@goode.flicks

The unique part about the entire situation is that Aviana was just a newbie in the sports photography world at this point. She had started sports photography just two years prior to shooting on this world-class stage and had only shot one outdoor track meet before. Despite the lack of experience, Polly Irungu, founder of Black Women Photographers, loved her photos and style.

The opportunity to shoot the Olympic Trials allowed Aviana to grow tremendously as a person but also as a photographer. While covering the Olympic Trials, she noticed that not many women of color were working as creatives although the sport is predominately black. There were only five other creatives that were black women that she saw capturing the events at TrackTown. This realization inspired Avi to be a role model and a representation for young black women and women of color who want to step into the creative world. As a freelance photographer based in NYC, she continues to refine her craft, working with athletes, brands, and events to create high-impact imagery that resonates.

“Being a photographer allows me to go out there and still feel like an athlete. I can feel the emotion. I’m capturing everything to remember the moment and to show the love and passion for the sport that I think is the hardest sport in the world, Aviana said.

 

Stay connected with Aviana on Linkedin: Aviana Goode | LinkedIn & Instagram: @goode.flicks

Raven Saunders with her medal at U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Credit: Aviana Goode/@goode.flicks
Raven Saunders with her medal at U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Credit: Aviana Goode/@goode.flicks



 

 



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Kentucky volleyball results, recap vs Texas A&M in championship match

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Updated Dec. 21, 2025, 5:16 p.m. ET

The Kentucky Wildcats volleyball team needed one more win to bring home a national championship, but the Texas A&M Aggies were the better team on Sunday afternoon, and it’s they who took home the trophy after winning the match 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-20).

It looked like the Wildcats were going to take control early. They jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the first set, and led big as play progressed. However, some good Texas A&M serves, and some bad Kentucky passing led to an Aggies comeback.

After that first set, it seemed as if the life drained out of the Wildcats. The Aggies dominated the second set. They blocked nearly every Kentucky kill attempt, and dug out the rest. The Cats had no answers, and they fell behind 2-0.



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