Best Women’s Sports in 2025

Most Popular Women’s Sports that Offer the Most Mental & Physical Benefits

In addition to improving physical and mental health, athletics can also help people succeed in school and in employment. The CDC claims that playing sports can improve people's social, academic, personal, and occupational skills, and these can translate into higher emotional and economic returns later on.

Before Title IX was established in 1972, girls did not have equal opportunities in athletics. Through this law, female athletes were able to enjoy the same opportunities as men in all sports at participating institutions that receive federal financial support. Since the law was passed, the number of women participating in sports has increased significantly.

Take a look at the most popular sports for women and their various benefits for health, both mentally and physically!

1. Tennis

In tennis, women compete against men in the same tournaments and are given equal media coverage and prize money. This ensures that they receive the same recognition and attention as their male counterparts.

The set format used in women's tennis is known to increase the level of parity in the game. It helps players’ mental and physical endurance, and makes them more likely to perform well.

Numerous women compete in tennis, which is a global sport with many participants. It is a popular choice for both experienced and casual players. Besides being physically active, tennis requires a player to have strategic thinking and mental resilience. The sport's various facets, such as beauty and creativity, draw spectators and players in.

Iconic female athletes such as Billie Jean King have inspired generations of fans and players. Their advocacy and achievements have paved the way for better opportunities and equality in tennis.The WTA has been instrumental in promoting the sport of women's tennis. It provides a platform for aspiring athletes to reach their professional goals. Image courtesy of the U.S. Open.

2. Softball

Being active is very important for a young lady's development, as it can help her maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition to being physically active, exercise also helps with her overall health. Children need physical activity more than adults, and playing sports such as softball helps them get active.

Today, many people play video games and are not always aware of the importance of physical activity. Getting active through sports such as softball can help young women develop a healthy lifestyle.

When young women participate in sports such as softball, they can develop a positive outlook on themselves and improve their skills. This can be done through the encouragement of their parents and coaches. Having a positive relationship with their parents and coaches can also help them build confidence.

3. Soccer

The popularity of women's soccer has been attributed to various factors, such as the increasing number of media outlets and the success of female athletes at major tournaments. This has also helped normalize the sport's participation among women.

FIFA, the world governing body of soccer, has led the way in making the sport widely played. It reached a milestone of one million viewers during the Women's World Cup in 2022. Some of the sport's prominent stars, such as Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, have also helped inspire young women to play the game.

Getting into the game will also help you develop your body. For one, it requires you to use a wide range of muscles in order to maintain a strong upper and lower body. In addition, playing soccer involves working together with other members of the team, which will help you improve your skills and become a better player.

Title IX has led to the expansion of opportunities for women's athletic teams, including those playing soccer. The sport's growth has also been supported by the increasing number of scholarships and the availability of educational benefits.

4. Basketball

The Larry O'Brien Trophy is the most popular championship trophy in sports, and people from all around the world gather to watch the team that will hold it. The WNBA is also thriving, with prominent individuals such as Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson leading the way. These women have inspired many young girls to get involved in basketball.

When Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA's all-time scoring record for women, the global interest in basketball was piqued. Her points also surpassed those of men, captivating the world with her buzzer-beating shots and long-range shots. Her accomplishments went viral on social media platforms, leading to increased attention and investment in the games of Women's March Madness. As the names of players grew, the viewership for the event continued to rise.

Besides being fun, basketball also provides a variety of benefits. It can burn calories and improve your heart rate, and it's a sport that requires a lot of stamina. This means that regular training is necessary to maintain a healthy core and build muscular strength. One of the most important factors that people should consider when it comes to playing basketball is having good hand-eye coordination.

5. Hockey

In recent years, the popularity of women's hockey has grown significantly, especially due to the Winter Olympics and the International Ice Hockey Federation's (IIHF) Women's World Championship. Various high-profile performances have also attracted record-breaking television audiences. One of the most talked-about events in 2022 was the Canada vs. the US gold-medal match at the Winter Olympics, which was watched by millions of people.

Besides the TV ratings, professional leagues have also contributed to the growth of women's hockey. These organizations allow players to play at an elite level. Due to the increasing number of sponsorships and salaries, the players have finally gotten the recognition they deserved.

The increasing popularity of women' hockey has also resulted in the increased edification of girls in the game. By having women play in a sport that used to be exclusively for men, young girls now have athletes to model their hockey dreams after. There has been a huge spike in grassroots initiatives aimed at getting more women involved in the sport.

The rapid emergence and growth of professional women’s hockey has been regarded as a game-changing event. With more media attention now being paid to it, it's also been talked about the possibility of expanding the league to other countries.

Hockey is also becoming more tech-oriented, with more emphasis placed on analyzing and preparing for the competition. This is beneficial for spectators as it allows players and coaches to improve their performance.

6. Volleyball

The popularity of volleyball has significantly increased among girls in the U.S. due to its fast-paced and exciting nature, it has become one of the most popular team sports among women in the country.

Although men's volleyball has gained popularity in the U.S., it has not been able to match the level of popularity of other male-dominated sports. Some of the factors that have contributed to this include the dominance of certain traditional sports such as football and basketball in the media and the lack of prominent professional volleyball leagues.

Since volleyball requires minimal equipment, it is an accessible sport for people of all abilities. It can be played indoors or on the beach, and it offers a variety of playing conditions.

The combination of strategy, skill, and athleticism in volleyball is captivating to spectators and players. It features a wide range of abilities, such as agile attacks and powerful spikes, that keep participants engaged.

The success of the US Women's National Volleyball team has encouraged many young girls to take up the sport. The increasing number of collegiate programs that are dedicated to women's volleyball also provides athletes with various opportunities and scholarships. Image courtesy of USA Volleyball .

7. Gymnastics

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics showcases excellence in all aspects of the sport, and it has evolved over time due to the hard work and dedication of its athletes. The various apparatuses has been changed, and the gymnasts have been pushing the limits of what physics can allow. Elite athletes compete with other athletes from all around the world in order to push their own personal greatness!

The first Summer Olympics for women's artistic gymnastics were held in 1928 in Amsterdam. It has since been a part of every Summer Olympics since 1936. The event is regarded as the pinnacle of the sport's world calendar, and in 2010, it was additionally included in the Summer Youth Olympics.

Women can greatly benefit from gymnastics, as it offers a variety of mental and physical benefits. It can aid in stress reduction, improved focus and coordination, and an improved sense of self-worth. It can also promote teamwork and discipline and help people achieve their fitness objectives.

Now that you’re more familiar with the most popular sports for women, have any of these sports made an impact on you? Shop with Goal Five today and rock your best and most confident self! Any sports on this list that you’re interested in trying most? Let us know!