From smashing records to packing stadiums, 2023 was really that year for women’s sports. These ten images are some of our favorites captured this year.

Photographer: Stephen Mally

Caitlin Clark and Iowa faced DePaul University in an outdoor exhibition match, which set a new attendance record for an NCAA women’s basketball game after 55,646 fans cheered on the Hawkeyes. 

Photographer: Jane Gershovich

Megan Rapinoe, a soccer icon whose impact is too vast to summarize, left the field after her final match with the national team.

Photographer: Emily Johnson

The Las Vegas Aces accomplished a rare feat, winning back-to-back WNBA Championships. A’ja Wilson, who was Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, soaked it all in as she embraced her mother at center court.

Photographer: Dylan Widger

Just before the Nebraska versus Omaha volleyball match, planes conducted a flyover over top of a sea of red Husker fans.

Photographer: Krystle Wright

Climber Angela Vanwiemeersch was captured ascending in epic fashion on Seventh Serpent 5.11+, Reptilian Wall UT.

Photographer: Jade Hewitt

Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball player Josie Muffley looked out as she prepared to take the field for the blue squad.

Photographer: Hank Foto

Big Wave Surfer Laura Enever set a new world record this summer after she conquered a 43-foot tall wave - the largest ever surfed by a female surfer.

Photographer: Cameron Spencer

England’s goalkeeper Mary Earps craned her head as the ball flew past her and into goal during the World Cup semifinal against Australia.

Photographer: Naomi Baker

Simone Biles was captured contorting in the air at the Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. Biles brought home two gold medals in her first World Championship competition since 2019.

Photographer: Emma Sharon

A young softballer from Team Puerto Rico tossed the ball at the Little League Softball World Series.