Picture this: a full stadium, fans on their feet, tickets selling out in minutes and every game building excitement. For some athletes, this is the reality. But for women in sports, it is often a distant dream. Despite their talent and growing popularity, only 3% of US sports fans prefer to watch women’s sports, while 66% are more drawn to men’s events, according to Play Today .
National figures like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are sparking a new wave of excitement around women’s sports, attracting more fans and viewers than ever before. The momentum of women’s sports is undeniable, and there are several athletes at the University of Georgia who are also helping to lead the charge.
Senior tennis player Dasha Vidmanova was a 2024 Honda Sport Award finalist and 2024 NCAA National Doubles Champion alongside Aysegul Mert. Junior sprinter Kaila Jackson posted the fastest first-round time in the 200m at the NCAA East Prelims with a 22.28. Junior soccer defender Kiera Staude earned a spot on Top Drawer Soccer’s Freshman Best XI and landed on its Post-Season Freshmen 100 list.
From the moment they picked up a racket, laced up their spikes or kicked a soccer ball, these women were on their business. Vidmanova’s tennis journey began in her home country of the Czech Republic, as her parents and older brother played.
“When I was younger, I used to travel with [my brother] and my parents at their tournaments, and at some point, I took a racket and started playing. It naturally happened because it was in the family,” said Vidmanova.
Jackson’s path to track and field was also shaped by family, who “saw the potential.” With Staude, soccer was something that came into his life early because of his older sister who played. According to her, her parents threw her into it, and she was good at it, before eventually realizing how much she loved it.
But, as with anything else, all three athletes stumbled along the way and were forced to learn some hard lessons.
Georgia defender Kiera Staude (11) watches the field during a game against Vanderbilt University at Turner Soccer Complex in Athens, Georgia on Friday, September 29, 2023. (Photo/ Laney Martin; @LaneyMartinPhotography)
“You can’t win every match,” Vidmanova said. “Sometimes there’s a lot you can’t control. Sometimes the opponent is better, so you need to take some time after you lose.
But she doesn’t let the setbacks keep her down. Instead, she said she’s going to practice and focus on the things she can control. When asked about the disparity in income between male and female athletes, Vidmanova said that “working towards equal prize money would be fair,” and that she hopes for more balanced compensation for women in the future.
Jackson’s journey in track and field goes beyond personal success — it’s about creating more opportunities for women to be seen and respected. For the next generation, she wants visibility and representation to increase.
Georgia sophomore Kaila Jackson competes. The University of Georgia track and field teams compete in the Georgia Tech Invitational at the George C. Griffin Track & Field Facility in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, April 22, 2023. (Photo/Mady Mertens; @MadyMertensPhotography)
“Right now, I have a black female coach,” Jackson said. “I want them to have more respect and see more of them.”
Staude has faced her own set of challenges as a female athlete in soccer, particularly when it comes to the differences in what men’s and women’s sports receive. It recalls the differences in the resources that women’s athletes are given in high school sports. For example, he said the women’s basketball team did not have its own locker room for half of the season. While Staude acknowledges there has been progress, he said there is still room for more. She also wants the marketing around women’s sports to grow.
Vidmanova’s advice to young players is to play as many matches and tournaments as possible, both nationally and internationally. Jackson emphasized the importance of patience, as she was not heavily recruited before and had to shine to get noticed. Staude preached the importance of balance.
“Consistency is key, but you also don’t want to burn out. Train as much as possible, but not to the point where you burn out,” Staude said. “Some of my best friends are from my former club team, and you have to enjoy yourself – have fun!”
Vidmanova is already preparing for the professional tennis circuit. After graduation in May 2025, his plan is simple: find a base and play tournaments. It’s a big jump, but she thinks she’s ready to take the next step and start playing at the highest level.
Jackson has his sights set on the track — both professionally and in the media world as he explores sports broadcasting. Staude is keeping its options open. While he is preparing for the possibility of playing after college, he is also trying to be prepared academically.
These athletes aren’t just waiting for their future – they’re out there to make it happen. Whether competing at the highest level or embarking on a new career, they are on the rise, and paving the way for the next generation of female athletes.