Sportswoman of the Year Awards
The Women’s Sports Foundation wants “your” vote for the 2008 Sportswoman of the Year
NEW YORK, N.Y., (August 14, 2008) – New records have been set, history has been made, and remarkable female athletes once again command attention. Each year, the Women's Sports Foundation recognizes their accomplishments by presenting the Sportswoman of the Year Awards to team members and individual performers.
Nominees are judged on new records achieved and world championships won between August 1, 2007, through August 24, 2008. Nominations for the individual and team Sportswoman of the Year Awards are made by national governing bodies, sports organizations, sports historians, media, members of the Women's Sports Foundation advisory board and trustees, and the general public. Sportswoman of the Year candidates are then voted on by current members of the Foundation.
Last year’s Individual Sportswoman of the Year Award winner was golfing great Lorena Ochoa, who said of the honor, "That’s something very special when you get some recognition outside of the golf course. I put those awards in a special place."
The awards will be presented October 14, 2008, at the Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner in New York City. Every year the Women's Sports Foundation Dinner attracts an extraordinary list of champion female athletes. Star athletes and celebrities from film and television will come together for the announcement of the Women's Sports Foundation's Sportswoman of the Year.
Be a part of history and cast your ballot for the Individual and Team Sportswoman of the Year Awards. You can cast your vote starting August 26 through Sept. 2 online at www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
For more information about our Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner, please contact: Heidi Lindsay at 516.542.4700, ext. 164, or at HLindsay@WomensSportsFoundation.org. Don’t miss this spectacular event.
Past award recipients:
Past Individual Winners:
2007: Lorena Ochoa
Melanie Troxel- 2006
Erin Popovich- 2005
Annika Sorenstam-Individual 2004
Natalie Coughlin-Individual 2003
Sarah Hughes-Individual 2002
Stacy Dragila - Individual 2001
Jenny Thompson - Individual 2000
Juli Inkster-Individual 1999
Michelle Kwan-Individual 1998
Gail Devers-Individual 1997
Amy Van Dyken-Individual 1996
Bonnie Blair-Individual 1995
Bonnie Blair-Individual 1994
Julie Krone-Individual 1993
Past Team Winners
Monica Abbott-Team 2007
Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh-Team 2006
Cat Osterman-Team 2005
Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh-Team 2004
Lisa Leslie-Team 2003
Sue Bird-Team 2002
Lisa Leslie - Team 2001
Serena & Venus Williams- Team 2000
Mia Hamm-Team 1999
Cynthia Cooper-Team 1998
Mia Hamm-Team 1997
Teresa Edwards-Team 1996
Rebecca Lobo-Team 1995
Lisa Fernandez-Team 1994
Sheryl Swoopes-Team 1993
Past Professional Winners
Pat Bradley-Professional 1992
Meg Mallon-Professional 1991
Paula Newby-Fraser-Professional 1990
Steffi Graf-Professional 1989
Susan Butcher-Professional 1988
Susan Butcher-Professional 1987
Lynette Woodard-Professional 1986
Libby Riddles-Professional 1985
Martina Navratilova-Professional 1984
Martina Navratilova-Professional 1983
Martina Navratilova-Professional 1982
Chris Evert-Professional 1981
Tracy Austin-Professional 1980
Past Amateur Winners
Jackie Joyner-Kersee-Amateur 1992
Jean Driscoll-Amateur 1991
Lori Norwood-Amateur 1990
Janet Evans-Amateur 1989
Jackie Joyner-Kersee-Amateur 1988
Jackie Joyner-Kersee-Amateur 1987
Debi Thomas-Amateur 1986
Michele Mitchell-Amateur 1985
Joan Benoit-Amateur 1984
Mary Lou Retton-Amateur 1984
Mary Decker-Amateur 1983
Mary Decker-Amateur 1982
Tracy Caulkins-Amateur 1981
Mary Decker-Amateur 1980
The Women’s Sports Foundation—the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports—advocates for equality, educates the public, conducts research and offers grants to promote sports and physical activity for girls and women. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the Women’s Sports Foundation builds on her legacy as a champion athlete, advocate of social justice and agent of change. We strive for gender equity and fight discrimination in sports. Our work shapes public attitude about women’s sports and athletes, builds capacities for organizations that get girls active, provides equal opportunities for girls and women, and supports physically and emotionally healthy lifestyles. The Women’s Sports Foundation is recognized worldwide for its leadership, vision, strength, expertise and influence.
For more information, please call the Women’s Sports Foundation at 800.227.3988 or visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.