At HEAD, we believe that International Women’s Day in sport is not just a celebration – it’s a battle cry. It’s for every woman who’s ever been told she’s not strong enough, fast enough, or tough enough. It’s for the trailblazers who fought for their place on the court and the slopes. Sport is power, and for too long, that power has been hoarded. But every record shattered, every barrier broken, and every young girl who sees herself in the game – that’s a revolution.
In our 75th year, we take a moment to look back at the legends who forged the way for our current female talents – and the rising stars who will shape the future of sport.
From the relentless drive of Maria Sharapova to the fearless determination of Lindsey Vonn, these women have dominated their fields with unparalleled skill and unshakable resolve. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only racquet sports and winter sports legends who shattered records but also those who have inspired generations.
Breaking Boundaries: Women Who Stormed Ahead on Court
Maria Sharapova was more than a Grand Slam champion – she was a force of nature. Known for her competitive spirit and resilience, Sharapova’s legacy continues to inspire, even after her retirement. Her career trajectory proves that greatness isn’t just about victories – it’s about an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.
Ash Barty’s tennis was nothing short of poetry in motion. With a blend of powerful serves, delicate slices, and pinpoint accuracy, Barty became a three-time Grand Slam champion. Her ability to adapt to any surface, coupled with her grace, made her a role model for balance and perseverance. Barty showed her incredible sporting ability, taking a break early in her tennis career becoming a professional cricketer. Then, after stepping away from tennis at the height of her career, Barty continues to inspire through various projects, including her role as the National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador for Tennis Australia.
At just 19 years old, Coco Gauff has already cemented her place in tennis history by winning the US Open singles title. With explosive speed and powerful groundstrokes, Gauff has proven herself capable of taking on the sport’s biggest names. Her dedication on and off the court, paired with her commitment to creating a positive impact, demonstrates that the future of women’s tennis is fearless, fast, and full of fire.
Barbora Krejčíková is a rare breed – an elite singles and doubles player with a breath-taking ability to control rallies and craft seamless transitions to the net. With titles including a French Open singles crown, the 2024 Wimbledon Singles title and multiple Grand Slam doubles victories, Krejčíková has shown that adaptability is key to success. Her ability to speak candidly about her struggles, including paying tribute to her mentor Jana Novotna, makes her not only a champion but a role model for resilience and vulnerability.
In the world of padel, Paula Josemaría and Ari Sánchez have dominated the circuit, amassing 37 titles in just four years, including nine in 2024 alone. Their path to greatness wasn’t always easy, but their perseverance, after overcoming heartbreak and near-misses, has made them the most successful duo in women’s padel history. In 2024, they were also named among the 50 most influential sporting women in Spain.
Meanwhile, Andrea Ustero, a rising star on our padel roster, made waves in 2024 as the youngest female player to reach a final. At just 17, Ustero’s ambition is clear: “To become number 1 in the world.” We’re excited to watch her journey unfold.
The Speed Queens Leaving Their Mark in the Snow
When it comes to winter sports, Lindsey Vonn didn’t just race – she dominated. Lindsey became one of the most successful female ski racers in history, and her fearless pursuit of speed and precision pushed the limits of what was thought possible. Even after multiple injuries and a partial knee replacement, she has returned to the slopes, proving that determination and grit can defy both time and expectation. Off the slopes, Vonn continues to impact the sport through her Lindsey Vonn Foundation and her own Legacy HEAD sportswear line, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Lara Gut-Behrami’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues, with multiple podium finishes this season, including a recent second-place finish in Kvitfjell’s Super-G. Meanwhile, Germany’s young talent, Emma Aicher made her mark on the World Cup stage with her first downhill victory in Kvitfjell, edging out competitors by mere hundredths of a second.
Our Strong Female Freeski Family
Jess Hotter made history in 2022 by becoming the first Kiwi to win the Freeride World Tour women’s championship title, securing victories in Ordino-Arcalís and Fieberbrunn. Her perseverance, coming back from injury and balancing multiple jobs to fund her competitive ski career, has been nothing short of inspiring.
Norway’s Hedvig Wessel, a two-time Olympic mogul skier and four-time winner of the SBMC, achieved her dream in 2024 by clinching the Freeride World Tour title. Her web series, “Hedvig’s Way,” offers an inside look at her journey, showcasing both the challenges and triumphs that come with being a professional skier. Wessel also co-founded Sister Summit in 2022, an all-women backcountry event designed to elevate women’s presence in the outdoor community and redefine industry standards, with the aim of helping aspiring young skiers.
We’re also proud to support emerging talents like Jenna Keller and Lena Köhler. Lena, who transitioned from alpine racing to freeride skiing, is making a name for herself in her first season on the Freeride World Tour. Meanwhile, Jenna made waves by earning her spot on the pro tour and starring in the HEAD Tyrolia freeskiing team movie Beyond. Both Jenna and Lena, stick out with great performances and podiums in their first Freeride World Tour competitions already.
Zoe Atkin is redefining freestyle skiing with her jaw-dropping tricks and gravity-defying runs. Her dedication to the sport is evident in her recent victory in the Freeski Halfpipe World Cup, where she took home the Crystal Globe. Atkin continues to prove that creativity and innovation belong on the slopes.
Within our snowboard team line-up we have many strong female athletes, including swiss athletes Sina Candrian and Mona Danuser. Sina made her name in the park, claiming 1st place at the US Open 2010 and was one of the first to land a huge frontside 1080 in competition including at the 2014 Olympics, narrowly missing out on a bronze.
Young athlete Mona Danuser, who joined our young talent team Futureheads at an early age and has since made it to the international team, has shown her resilience over the past few years, overcoming injuries and returning to competition this season.
Whether wielding a racquet or carving through snow, these athletes prove that relentless drive and determination lead to greatness. From Sharapova’s power and Barty’s strategy to Gauff’s explosiveness and Atkin’s creativity, each of these athletes has carved their own path in history.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate these trailblazers. They continue to inspire the next generation of female athletes to dream big, work hard, and break down barriers.
