As we head into a new year, we're keeping our eye on these incredible athletes who are poised to take the world by storm. Read on to learn about seven athletes you should know in 2026.

Fresh off a Rugby World Cup win with the Red Roses, Ellie is already defining stardom in women’s rugby. Having scored nine tries in the Women’s Six Nations and a statement hat trick in her 50th England cap, 2026 is set to be the year she fully owns the global spotlight.

Victoria’s rookie season was nothing short of transformative. The teen surged from No. 333 to a career-high No. 18, highlighted by a fairytale run to the Canada Open title in Montreal and a WTA 250 win in Hong Kong. 2026 is her chance to cement herself among the sport’s best.  

The 19-year-old Valencia Basket center’s rise has been years in the making. Awa turned pro at just 15, and delivered a 17-point, 7-rebound, 3-steal Euroleague performance against Fenerbahçe in 2025. Now, she’s on track to make history in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Alyssa enters 2026 at a pivotal moment in her career. A former teen No. 1 pick and USWNT mainstay, Alyssa moved to Chelsea FC Women in September and quickly found the scoresheet (3 goals). 2026 emerges as a defining year in her evolution in both club and global play. 

University of South Carolina Sophomore JaMeesia won her third NCAA title, finishing the outdoor 200-meter race in 22.21 seconds. The star sprinter also earned three first-team All American Outdoor honors and swept both the 100-meter and 200-meter races at the SEC Championships. With three titles in two years, 2026 is another opportunity for JaMeesia to win big.

Named 2025 AUSL Rookie of the Year, the Blaze infielder led all rookies with a .394 batting average and was named to the All-Defensive Team. With two more teams joining the AUSL in 2026, Ana isn’t just chasing personal glory, she’s playing for a championship.

Ifenna, a vet middle blocker, helped Texas A&M win their first-ever NCAA Volleyball National Championship, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team and becoming the Aggies’ all-time leading blocker (563). In 2026, she’s taking her power to LOVB Salt Lake.