The 2022 ESPYs celebrated the best players, teams and moments in sports Wednesday, and some of the best in women’s sports were recognized for their accomplishments.
Jocelyn Alo was named the best college athlete in women’s sports following her record-breaking season. A two-time national champion with Oklahoma, Alo leaves her collegiate career behind with the all-time NCAA home run record across softball and baseball.
Alo accepted the award via Zoom during the ESPYs preview show, as the category was not presented at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Alo was present at the ceremony, though — she and her Oklahoma teammates were up for the Best Team award.
“It means a lot to me and my family, just with the journey that we’ve been through,” she said. “This is just a stepping stone for softball and women’s sports in general. It’s great that people are starting to realize women are just as fun to watch, if not more fun to watch.”
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 👑@78jocelyn_alo | #SupportWomensSports ♥️ pic.twitter.com/49zne5x7Mp
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) July 20, 2022
Katie Ledecky was named best overall athlete in women’s sports for her stellar summer for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, at which she won two gold and two silver medals. Ledecky also took home the award for best Olympian in women’s sports.
“To all of the young athletes out there, all of the young kids, young adults: find something that you really love, that you’re good at, that can be a positive force in our world,” she said.
“To all of the young athletes out there, … find something that you really love, that you’re good at, that can be a positive force in our world.”
— ESPN (@espn) July 21, 2022
—Katie Ledecky with a message after winning the ESPY for Best Athlete, Women's Sports 💪 pic.twitter.com/t1mZLyVlxJ
Megan Rapinoe won the award for best play for her Olimpico at last summer’s Olympics. In her speech, she highlighted efforts to bring home WNBA star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February.
Candace Parker won Best WNBA Player, while Nelly Korda took home the award for women’s golf and Emma Raducanu for women’s tennis. Jessica Long was named best athlete with a disability in women’s sports.
Washington Spirit star Ashley Hatch, who won the Golden Boot last season, added to her awards haul with the Best NWSL Player award. Sam Kerr was named the best international athlete in women’s soccer.
Skiing star Eileen Gu took home two awards, Best Breakthrough Athlete and Best Athlete in Women’s Action Sports.