WTA
WTA
All Scores

How Cisco is helping power Nelly Korda and the LPGA

Nelly Korda, at the AIG Women’s Open in August, has four titles on the LPGA Tour this year. (Warren Little/R&A via Getty Images)

Not even Nelly Korda predicted the year she would have on the golf course.

After COVID-19 forced the suspension of part of the 2020 season, Korda has doubled her wins on the LPGA Tour in 2021, claimed her first major title at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The 23-year-old enters the Solheim Cup this weekend ranked No. 1 in the world after the most dominant season on tour of any women’s golfer.

Cisco has been following Korda’s career ascent with pride.

The technology company partners with Korda and eight other golfers across the PGA, LPGA and APGA Tours, creating one of the most diverse rosters of athlete brand ambassadors in golf. When Cisco signed Korda along with older sister Jessica Korda and Danielle Kang in January 2020, she was coming off of a few titles and her first top-10 ranking, but the company couldn’t have known how quickly she would rise.

The reputation Korda has built since then is what makes her an ideal representative of Cisco’s mission in golf. Through their involvement in the sport, Cisco is committed to creating more visibility for women’s golf and ultimately inspiring the next generation of female golfers.

“The last 18 months have truly been a whirlwind,” Korda said. “Obviously when I partnered with Cisco at the beginning of last year, no one could have imagined what would come with the Tour being suspended and the world really coming to a halt.

“But to come out of such an uncertain time playing the best golf of my career, and to win my first major championship, become World No. 1 and win an Olympic gold medal all in the last few months is more than I ever could have dreamed.”

***

Cisco first began working with the United States Golf Association (USGA) in the fall of 2018 as its Official Technology Partner. As the company’s investment in the sport grew, so did its interest in supporting promising golfers who are primed to succeed on the course and share the company’s values and corporate purpose to power a more inclusive future for all.

Less than two years after entering the sport, Cisco signed the Kordas and Kang as their first female ambassadors — and have watched them turn into three of the most successful golfers on the LPGA Tour.

Kang, 28, has been a staple on the LPGA Tour since 2011, accumulating five wins and a Women’s LPGA Championship. In 2020, Kang won the Vare Trophy, awarded to the golfer with the lowest scoring average on tour that year. She backed up that performance with seven top-10 finishes in 2021 and currently ranks eighth on the tour.

img
Danielle Kang won two LPGA titles in 2020, adding to her career haul. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Before Nelly Korda rose up the professional golf ranks, her sister Jessica Korda was already making a name for herself. Now 28, Jessica joined the LPGA Tour at 17 years old and has won six LPGA titles, including the tour opener in January. With four top-10 finishes so far this year, she currently ranks 18th in the world.

In addition to their success on tour, all three golfers want to help grow the game for women, and they appreciate how Cisco is helping realize that vision.

“They’re incredible individuals who we are so proud to have represent our brand,” Christina Leong, Cisco’s Global Sports Sponsorships Manager, told Just Women’s Sports. “They share a commitment and a vision for growing the game and inspiring this new up-and-coming generation of golf fans and players through our innovation and technology.

“And that’s just as important to us, if not more so, than how they play on the course.”

Leong stressed Cisco’s vision that people of all ages, genders and ethnicities see themselves reflected in the game of golf, regardless of their background.

That goal goes hand-in-hand with Cisco’s commitment to bring the game of golf to more people through innovations and technology, which became especially important throughout the pandemic.

“COVID definitely made us get creative but also really allowed us to make lemonade out of lemons,” Leong said. “In such a challenging environment, technology became an even more crucial component in connecting fans, players and media.”

That meant, for example, that players still had a piece of their family with them as they teed off at the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, thanks to video messages recorded via Webex by Cisco, the industry-leading video collaboration solution.

When fans were barred from attending tournaments in person last year because of COVID-19, Cisco brought them as close to the action as possible with a virtual grandstand to mimic the feeling of being on the course. Cisco and the USGA also worked together to create a virtual media center that used Webex to conduct pre-tournament and post-round video interviews at both the men’s and women’s Opens.

This year, Cisco and the USGA brought one of their most unique innovations to the golf course, 4DReplay, which allowed golfers and fans to view a player’s swing at 360 degrees. With 88 cameras set up in a ring around the tee box, the video captured enough footage that it could be paused at 34 different points in the motion. Not only could NBC show the technology on their broadcasts, adding to their analysis of players’ swings, but fans could watch the clips on demand through the USGA app.

The response was universally positive, with many golfers pushing 4D clips on their social media accounts.

Ahead of this year’s championship, Cisco also used a mobile cart powered by Webex to surprise young golfers with virtual clinics from San Francisco to San Diego. Golf personality Tisha Alyn hosted the events and Cisco’s PGA and LPGA ambassadors assisted in the sessions.

“We are trying to tap into that next generation, having the kids meet some of their favorite players,” Leong said. “And they then got these virtual autograph sessions that were hosted on the Webex mobile cart during the actual U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Open.”

***

Through all of the trials of the past year, Cisco has remained committed to creating a level playing field for the men’s and women’s games.

“Cisco’s purpose as a company is to power an inclusive future,” Leong said. “That means creating equal opportunities for the women’s game and empowering diverse groups of people to participate in the game of golf.”

Earlier this year, Cisco’s sponsorship of the inaugural Billy Horschel APGA Tour Invitational, which featured some of the most promising minority golfers, included a roundtable and seminars aimed at opening doors for players who may not have had those opportunities otherwise.

“We just want to make sure that all genders, all ethnicities, ages and backgrounds are well represented,” Leong said. “The more diverse people and backgrounds that we can attract, and the more types of people that are represented, it will ultimately inspire and drive participation and hopefully spark more innovation in the game.”

As Cisco levels up its technology every year, treating the men’s and women’s tournaments equally will continue to be at the forefront of what they do.

“This last year, the women’s event looked almost the exact same as the men’s, if not better,” Leong said. “I think it’s just continuing to really push the envelope and ensure that whatever is going to happen at the men’s events with technology, it’s going to happen at the women’s, too.”

img
Jessica Korda has ranked in the top 30 of golfers on tour for the past eight years. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Cisco’s commitment to the women’s game, from the inception of the partnership to now, has not gone unnoticed by those on the LPGA Tour.

“It has been so great to be a part of Team Cisco alongside so many other talented golfers,” Jessica Korda said. “Cisco’s commitment to using their technology to grow the game and inspire a new generation of golf fans and players is something that is really important to me as well, and I look forward to continuing to build on that goal together in the future.”

“It’s really so meaningful when companies like Cisco step up in such a big way to support our sport,” Kang said. “You see a lot of brands that spend money on the men’s side, but Cisco makes it a priority to support the LPGA Tour.

“Support like that is really important to us as players, and I truly believe that it helps to inspire even more participation in the sport from the next generation of female golfers.”

Editor’s note: Cisco is a sponsor of Just Women’s Sports.

UConn Star Paige Bueckers Confirms 2025 WNBA Draft Plans

2025 WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers #5 of the Connecticut Huskies jogs across the court in the first quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Spokane Arena on March 29, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.
Angel City is one of three unbeaten NWSL teams. (Meg Oliphant/NWSL via Getty Images)

Fifth-year UConn star Paige Bueckers confirmed to Huskies legend Rebecca Lobo on Friday that she will indeed be declaring for the 2025 WNBA Draft, opting to forgo her final year of college eligibility.

“Honestly, I thought I declared a long time ago,” Bueckers joked, making it clear that she has always considered this season to be her last in a UConn jersey.

Her decision follows UConn guard Azzi Fudd's announcement that she will forgo the 2025 WNBA Draft. Instead, the 22-year-old will will return to the Huskies for the 2025/26 NCAA basketball season.

The 23-year-old's declaration came one day before she scored a career-high 40 points in the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16. The subsequent 82-59 blowout advanced UConn's March Madness run to the Elite Eight.

“Obviously, Paige was spectacular,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said after Saturday's win. “That was as good a game as I’ve seen her play the whole time she’s been here, at the most important time. When you’re a senior and you’ve been around as long as she has, this is what you’re here to do. This is why you came here.”

“Honestly, we just wanted to keep our season going as long as possible,” added Bueckers. “We all love playing together, we love playing here. We just love this program.”

WNBA draft pick Flau'Jae Johnson #4 of the LSU Lady Tigers plays against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 24, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina.
LSU's Flau'jae Johnson has yet to announce her 2025 WNBA Draft plans. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Other expected top WNBA draft picks remain uncertain

Bueckers is considered a lock for this year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, currently held by Dallas. But uncertainty has loomed over other lottery slots, with the No. 2 and No. 3 picks recently exchanging hands.

Notre Dame senior Olivia Miles’s professional intentions remain unknown as of Saturday, with the projected No. 2 pick telling reporters she’s “leaning towards” declaring after crashing out of the NCAA tournament.

Eligible LSU junior Flau’jae Johnson is similarly undecided following Sunday’s loss to UCLA, with the soon-to-be 22-year-old also an expected top draft pick.

Angel City Remains Unbeaten As NWSL Weekend Brings Big Wins

Riley Tiernan #33 of Angel City FC celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second NWSL goal.
Angel City is one of three unbeaten NWSL teams. (Meg Oliphant/NWSL via Getty Images)

While the NWSL’s Big Three — Orlando, Kansas City, and Washington — still sit above the pack after weekend wins, an unexpected fourth club has been hanging tough alongside last year’s contenders.

LA side Angel City is one of just three remaining unbeaten clubs going into this week’s international break, alongside Orlando and Kansas City.

NWSL player Sarah Gorden (captain) #11 of Angel City FC passes during a 2-1 win over the Seattle Reign FC at BMO Stadium on March 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (
Angel City finished in 12th place last NWSL season. (Harry How/NWSL via Getty Images)

Angel City rights the ship after a losing 2024

Entering 2025 on uncertain footing, Angel City is still without a permanent manager after former coach Becki Tweed’s offseason departure.

Under interim manager Sam Laity, the club managed two 1-1 draws before earning their first win against Seattle on Sunday, behind goals from rising star Alyssa Thompson and rookie Riley Tiernan.

The turnaround is noteworthy. ACFC finished the 2024 season in 12th place — far below playoff contention. Today, they sit in fourth place.

“This is the foundation of this young, energetic team, and we are going to have enormous growth and the most potential,” Laity said after Sunday’s victory.

In a season still searching for unexpected storylines, Angel City’s early success could lay the foundation for some serious standings shakeups to come.

Ashley Hatch #33 of Washington Spirit celebrates after scoring the team's first goal with teammates during the NWSL match between Washington Spirit and Bay FC at Audi Field on March 28, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Ashley Hatch scored both Washington Spirit goals on Friday. (Hannah Foslien/NWSL via Getty Images)

Top three NWSL teams also score big weekend wins

The Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, and Kansas City Current also saw key weekend wins, maintaining their hold on the NWSL standings' top three spots.

Washington kicked things off on Friday, topping visitors Bay FC 2-0 behind an Ashley Hatch brace. Orlando followed on Saturday with a 2-1 win over San Diego, with Brazilian star Marta notching the game-winner with a penalty kick in the 76th minute.

That same day, Kansas City triumphed 3-0 over a struggling Utah Royals. Temwa Chawinga, Michelle Cooper, and Debinha all contributed to the final score, with each goal coming in the match's first half.

2025 NWSL Standings: Week Three

1. Orlando Pride (3-0-0)
2. Kansas City Current (3-0-0)
3. Washington Spirit (2-1-0)
4. Angel City FC (1-0-2)
5. San Diego Wave FC (1-1-1)
6. Seattle Reign FC (1-1-1)
7. Houston Dash (1-1-1)
8. Bay FC (1-1-1)
9. Racing Louisville FC (1-1-1)
10. North Carolina Courage (0-1-2)
11. Portland Thorns FC (0-1-2)
12. Gotham FC (0-1-2)
13. Utah Royals (0-2-1)
14. Chicago Stars FC (0-3-0)

TCU Ousts Notre Dame, USC Faces UConn in March Madness Action

Hailey Van Lith #10 of the TCU Horned Frogs shoots the ball during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sweet Sixteen round of the 2025 NCAA Women's March Madness.
Hailey Van Lith lifted TCU over Notre Dame. (Elaina Eichorn/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

No. 2 seed TCU rode their Cinderella story to their very first Elite Eight berth on Saturday, ousting one-time Women's March Madness favorite No. 3 seed Notre Dame 71-62 behind a 26-point performance from transfer guard Hailey Van Lith.

While chalky on paper, the victory was indeed a bracket-buster, setting the Horned Frogs up for tonight’s showdown against No. 1 seed Texas after the Longhorns’ 67-59 Sweet 16 win over No. 5 seed Tennessee.

“Hailey’s a dog,” said TCU senior Madison Conner of Van Lith, who set the school’s single-season scoring record en route to her fifth Elite Eight appearance. “Regardless of if it’s on the offensive end or on the defensive end, she’s going to do anything it takes to win.”

“Going into this game, I was really just going to go and have no regrets,” said Van Lith. “I wasn't going to put any pressure on myself to necessarily win. I was going to go out there and have fun and play with the joy that God gave me.”

Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the USC Trojans holds a bobblehead of JuJu Watkins #12 in the second quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Women's March Madness at Spokane Arena on March 29, 2025 in Spokane, Washington.
USC will face UConn without star JuJu Watkins in tonight's March Madness Elite Eight matchup. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

USC faces UConn in highly anticipated Elite Eight rematch

Tonight’s blockbuster Elite Eight rematch between No. 1 seed USC and No. 2 seed UConn will look different without injured superstar JuJu Watkins. But the Trojans aren’t done fighting.

USC lost Watkins to a season-ending ACL tear in the tournament’s second round. Nevertheless, a determined USC took down No. 5 seed Kansas State 67-61 in Saturday’s Sweet 16 clash. Freshmen Avery Howell and Kennedy Smith combined for 37 points on the night.

“With Ju going down, obviously it was a bit of adversity that we had to face,” Smith said after the game. “But just having her in our presence — we talked to her before the game and she was still rooting us on, things of that nature — [we're] just keeping her in our hearts and minds and playing for her as well as for each other.”

USC will subsequently have their hands full. Leading the Huskies to the Elite Eight, UConn star Paige Bueckers is fresh off a career-high 40-point Sweet 16 performance against Oklahoma.

“You try not to think about the stakes or the pressure or getting to the Final Four,” Bueckers said ahead of tonight's rematch. “Obviously that's there, so you try not to think about it and just go out and play every single game the same way like it's your last, like it's the most important 40 minutes of your life... We just want the season to keep going as long as possible. So leaving nothing up to chance, giving it our all for that 40 minutes to play for another 40 is our team mindset.”

The USC Trojans and the UConn Huskies jump for the opening tip off during the Elite Eight round of the 2024 NCAA Women's March Madness Tournament held at the Moda Center on April 1, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.
USC will face UConn in an Elite Eight rematch tonight. (Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

Where to watch Women's March Madness games tonight

TCU tips off against Texas tonight at 7 PM ET before UConn takes on USC at 9 PM ET. Both games will air live across ESPN platforms.

No. 1 Seeds UCLA, South Carolina Advance to NCAA Final Four

UCLA Bruins players celebrate postgame after beating the LSU Lady Tigers 72-65 during the Elite Eight round of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
UCLA advanced to their first-ever NCAA Final Four on Sunday. (Tyler McFarland/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

No. 1 seeds UCLA and South Carolina prevailed on Sunday, punching their tickets to the Final Four and putting a bow on a wild NCAA tournament weekend that nonetheless ended in chalk.

After surviving a surging No. 4 seed Maryland offense 71-67 on Friday, the Gamecocks took down No. 2 seed Duke 54-50 in Sunday’s Elite Eight, building a watertight defense to silence the Blue Devils.

Coming off Friday’s strong 76-62 win over No. 5 seed Ole Miss, the Bruins went on to blank No. 3 seed LSU 72-65, holding off the Tigers despite All-American center Lauren Betts’s early foul trouble.

“The game was lost in the second quarter,” said LSU coach Kim Mulkey. “That’s where the game was lost. We didn’t capitalize on Betts being off the floor.”

South Carolina, UCLA bring different strengths to Final Four

With both teams having topped this season’s AP Poll rankings, UCLA and South Carolina pose different physical threats fueled by similar mental resilience.

The Gamecocks will make their fifth straight Final Four appearance. As such, the reigning champs are managing to keep the repeat dream alive despite some shaky starts.

“We know that every night is going to be a battle, and we know that they’re going to come for us,” said senior Te-Hina PaoPao.

On the flip side, next weekend will mark UCLA’s first-ever NCAA Final Four.

“All season we’ve talked about how our talent is our floor and our character is our ceiling,” guard Kiki Rice said. “And to just be the tougher team every single day out there on the court is really the difference.”

Subsequently, maintaining poise down the stretch could be the key to winning this year’s NCAA title.

Final Four team South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) drives to the basket past Texas Longhorns forward Taylor Jones (44) during the first half at Moody Center.
South Carolina will feature in Friday's NCAA Final Four. (Scott Wachter-Imagn Images)

How to watch Women's March Madness Final Four games

UCLA tips off the Final Four at 7 PM ET on Friday, April 4th, before South Carolina takes the court at 9:30 PM ET. Both games will air live across ESPN platforms.

Start your morning off right with Just Women’s Sports’ free, 5x-a-week newsletter.