It’s National Girls & Women in Sports Day, which means there’s no time like the present to show female athletes some love—social media love to be precise. Google “female athletes on Instagram” though, and you’ll find a long list of near identical headlines hawking the “sexiest” or “hottest” female athletes on the web. Considering facial symmetry has absolutely no effect on a woman’s ability to perform athletically, we’re going to assume the writers of these lists don’t know how sports work. Or maybe they don’t realize that young girls benefit more from participating in sports than from being told they look pretty doing them. In fact, the benefits are wide-ranging, as the Women’s Sports Foundation reports, “Research demonstrates that girls who play sports have better health, higher self-esteem, stronger leadership skills, greater academic achievement and economic opportunity.”
So, to celebrate women in sports and save you the trouble of wading through sexist nonsense, here’s a list of insanely talented, hardworking, badass female athletes who deserve a follow:
Jessamyn Stanley, Yoga
This is not your average yoga account, if only for the fact that Jessamyn Stanley actually focuses on yoga and not on lifeless product placement. As a self-proclaimed “fat femme,” Stanley proves that you don’t have to have the physique of a string bean to be a fit, fierce yogi. Along with the inspirational pep talks, Stanley also happens to have the most impressive collection of leggings in the history of leggings, bringing her Instagram game to a new level.
Shirley Darlington-Rowat, Parkour
Shirley Darlington-Rowat never considered herself an athletic person, but she pushed forward anyway and found herself falling in love with parkour. As she wrote in a piece for The Guardian, “It quickly changed the way I viewed my environment: everything around me became a potential parkour challenge.” Come to her Instagram for the displays of agility and stay for the pancake pictures.
Misty Copeland, Ballet
As the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater, Misty Copeland is no stranger to shattering barriers. In addition to being a prima ballerina, Copeland has authored a book, produced her own documentary, and launched a national discussion about diversity in the dance world.
Abby Wambach, Soccer
As a two-time Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, and six-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, Wambach is not only an accomplished athlete, but is also an advocate for the LGBTQ community as well.
Ronda Rousey, Mixed Martial Arts
At just 29 years old, Rousey dominates the mixed martial arts scene as the first UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion and highest ranked female MMA fighter in the world.
Lizzie Armanto, Skateboarding
At just 24 years old, Lizzie Armanto is already a skateboarding legend. She’s won over 30 awards, including both the 2013 and 2014 Van Doren Invitationals in Huntington Beach, and has medaled twice at the X Games.
Serena Williams, Tennis
No roundup (sports or otherwise) would be complete without Serena Williams. She’s not only the reigning champion of all things tennis, but she’s publicly engaged and hilariously active on social media.
Simone Biles, Gymnastics
When she’s not winning Olympic gold medals, 19-year-old Biles is serving as an inspiration to girls everywhere. Just ask her 3.4 million Instagram followers.
Elena Delle Donne, Basketball
After securing the title of the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2013, Elena Delle Donne quickly rose the ranks to become the MVP in 2015. She also runs a foundation to help athletes with disabilities.
Alex Morgan, Soccer
As an Olympic gold medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, and outspoken defender of human rights, Alex Morgan is perhaps America’s most beloved female soccer player.
Venus Williams, Tennis
Like her sister, Venus Williams is one of the most well-known tennis champions in the world—male or female—and continues to crush it on the court.
This is an AI-generated image using the language "A beautiful woman with long eyelashes and red lips surrounded by swirls of colorful makeup." AI/Canva/Elyssa Goodman 
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.