Leah Williamson, Paige Bueckers, Ilona Maher. These names may seem familiar to you whether you have been following them since the beginning of their careers or have only recently discovered them through their growing popularity on social media platforms. Beyond being some of the top players in their respective fields, Williamson, Bueckers, and Maher, all share an immense role in helping shape women’s sports in 2025.

They continue to reshape the narrative around women’s sports and are living proof of the positive impacts that come out of social media: amplifying voices, celebrating well-deserved achievements, and most importantly, shedding light on the ongoing challenges that female athletes face even in the era that we live in.

Inspiring A New Generation

For decades, women’s sports have continued to struggle for recognition and respect. Historically, sports have been heavily skewed to be focused on men, whether through media coverage, sponsorship opportunities, or public attention, female athletes have been left to fight a silent battle. But with the innovative technology that we now have access to, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and streaming services such as Netflix have become tools for change.

These platforms allow athletes like Williamson, Bueckers, and Maher to connect directly with fans, share their stories, and use their platforms to promote change, not only in women’s sports but advocating for broader social and cultural conversations. I chose these three extraordinary women because of how I view them as role models – not only for their incredible talent and achievements, but also for their courage, kindness, and determination to use their platforms to create change. Words can’t describe how Leah, Paige, and Ilona continue to inspire me to believe in the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting for what’s right, both on and off the field.

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Leah Williamson

Leah Williamson, the captain of the England women’s football team and Arsenal star is a household name for a reason. Off the pitch, her social media presence is used for advocacy, endorsing gender equality, and inspiring young players to dream big through grassroots and community programs. Leah is often seen enjoying practice sessions or spending time with her friends, and fans affectionately call her "the heart of the team."

Although she is now playing at her peak, Williamson’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Her ACL tear in 2023 was a devastating blow, not just for her, but for the fans who rallied behind her. Yet, even through her recovery, Leah continued to use her platform to advocate for mental health issues, especially the untold hardships faced in sports.

She continued to show a newfound vulnerability by posting on different social media platforms about her recovery, highlighting both the highs and lows of her journey. By sitting out on the 2023 World Cup following England’s indescribable win in the 2022 Euros, she has shown fans that although she is perceived to be this superhuman athlete, she too is only human.

Her kindness and authenticity have drawn in countless fans who initially supported Arsenal or the England team simply because of her. Many of these fans, who may have never followed women’s football before, now find themselves immersed in the sport thanks to Leah’s influence.

Image Credit: joshjdss From Wikimedian Commons

Paige Bueckers

Paige Bueckers, you might have seen the countless edits of her on your for you page. Bueckers is shown to have an incredible sense of humor, and quickly become a social media favorite. This NCAA basketball sensation has become a worldwide sensation, proving that she is more than what social media perceives her to be.

With her astonishing performances and massive online following, Paige isn’t just an athlete—she has become a movement. She’s shown how powerful an athlete’s voice can be when used to address issues like representation and equity.

A crucial element relating to Bueckers' quick rise to popularity has been her ability to utilize the NCAA's new NIL rules. Starting from July 2021, college athletes have been allowed to profit from their name, image, and talents, and Paige has been one of the athletes at the forefront. She became one of the most marketable athletes, securing major sponsorship deals with brands like Gatorade, Nike, and StockX.

Beyond her personal brand, Paige’s journey hasn’t been smooth. She suffered an ACL tear in 2022, sidelining her for her entire junior year. It was an extreme shock for basketball fans from across the world.

But instead of fading into the background, Paige used the time to further advocate for representation and equity in sports, leveraging her social media platform to continuously challenge the outdated stereotypes about women sports. Bueckers have proven that their influence goes far beyond their respective sports. Her determination, humility, and humor have won over fans spanning all generations. Fans on social media have credited Paige for introducing them to the world of not only the NCAA but the WNBA world. Paige’s ability to bring new audiences to women’s basketball has created a movement, one that’s breaking barriers and shifting perceptions about the game.

Image Credit: Lorie Shaull From Wikimedia Commons

Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher is changing the way that rugby is being viewed, one TikTok at a time. She is a force to be reckoned with as the star of the United States women's rugby team, but some people might have recognized her from the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars. Through the short clips that we have seen from Ilona, she has quickly become a fan favorite.

Through her humor, authenticity, and relatable content, she has heavily contributed to bringing rugby into the spotlight. If you opened Maher’s TikTok or Instagram, you would immediately be able to notice the dedication that she shows to her sport. She showcases the grit and athleticism of rugby while continuously breaking down negative stereotypes about the sport and its players.

Through the minute-long clips, you are able to gauge Ilona’s lighthearted approach, whether it’s sharing hilarious behind-the-scenes moments or educating fans about the game, she has drawn in new audiences who might have never considered watching rugby before. Whether it’s through hard tackles or a perfectly executed salsa, Ilona has proven time and again that she can intrigue an audience. She can only be described as a trailblazer, not just for rugby, but for athletes everywhere embracing new ways to inspire and entertain.

Image Credit: NaBUru38 From Wikimedia Commons

The Fight Is Far From Over

All of these stories are proven to be extremely inspiring. Various female athletes continue to make great strides to begin reshaping women’s sports, advocating for respect and equality. Even though the topic of equality for women's sports has recently been percieved as a severe issue, the fight isn’t over.

Women athletes still face significant distinctions in pay, sponsorship opportunities, and media coverage compared to their male counterparts. Statistics and numbers don’t lie. If we compare the Instagram followings of the international sensation, Manchester United, the men’s team has a whopping 62.3 million more followers than the women's team.

These disparities affect every aspect of women’s sports. A common trend is smaller social media followings, which means fewer sponsorship opportunities, lower fan engagement, and reduced financial backing. Another well-known issue is the pay gap, which goes far beyond women’s sports.

Many female athletes, even those at the top of their league, earn a fraction of what their male counterparts make. This is an issue of respect and value.

Media coverage is still no different. Despite the growing interest and coverage in women’s sports, most local news networks only devote a scrap of their resources to covering female athletes. It is recognizable that change has begun to be made with the help of social media, bridging the gap by giving individuals their platforms.

Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean For Women's Sports?

The future for women’s sports is bright. Progress is seen happening every day, with athletes like Leah Williamson, Paige Bueckers, and Ilona Maher leading the charge. Fans are also beginning to step up, challenging brands and media outlets to do better. Although this issue stems far beyond sports, every small step counts toward a change for the larger issue at hand.

The fight for equality in women’s sports is ongoing, but these stories remind us why it is worth fighting. Every new fan inspired, every new sponsorship deal, and every new achievement is another step forward. Women’s sports are more than just games. They’re a movement, and the world is finally starting to pay attention.