Icons of Women's Sport

This collection of fascinating biographies of outstanding women athletes past and present including superstars such as Nadia Comaneci, Mia Hamm, Jackie-Joyner Kersee, Danica Patrick, and Serena and Venus Williams. Icons of Women's Sport identifies and examines the individuals who have impacted history, challenged the status quo, influenced sport culture, and garnered wide public interest. Including stars from the past and present, ranging from Babe Didrikson Zaharias and Billie Jean King to Dara Torres and Venus and Serena Williams, the featured athletes are iconic not only because of their achievements in the sports arena, but also because of their contributions to society: advancing cultural diversity and gender equity, breaking class barriers, and transcending stereotypes. The book contains biographies of 36 women athletes-American and international-who excelled in competitive sports from the post-World War I era through the modern era in a dozen different sports. Icons of Women's Sport spotlights athletes across a wide range of women's sports, with appropriate attention given to the major sports. Readers will enjoy learning about stars from both amateur and professional sports arenas, including Olympic athletes, as well as female competitors who have reached the top of their game in newer arenas such as golf and snowboarding.

Steven J. Overman, PhD, is adjunct professor on the faculty of University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK.
Kelly Boyer Sagert is a freelance writer and author.

Volume two
Olga Korbut
Julie Krone
Lisa Leslie
Nancy Lopez
Donna Lopiano
Shirley Muldowney
Martina Navratilova
Danica Patrick
Mary Lou Retton
Manon Rheaume
Dot Richardson
Dawn Riley
Wilma Rudolph
Picabo Street
Sheryl Swoopes
Dara Torres
Venus Williams and Serena Williams
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Selected Bibliography
Index
About the Authors