Today marks a special day for all female athletes: National Girls & Women in Sports Day. It’s a day to recognize and celebrate female athletes. We’ve taken the opportunity to highlight a few of the many local female athletes who inspire us. Read on for an up-close look at some of Vegas’ greats.
A’ja Wilson
Las Vegas Aces forward and 2020 WNBA MVP
Q: Top sports goal for 2022
A: Winning a WNBA Championship. Being a better player than I was last year. Producing as much as I can on the court for my teammates
Q: What professional female athlete do you admire and why?
A: Candace Parker, because of the way she paved the way for black women like me. She was one of the first players that my generation grew up watching, and she has flourished in so many aspects of her life both on and off the court. It’s been amazing to watch her as a fan and now to play against her in the WNBA.
Q: Best piece of advice for young female athletes?
A: Always believe in you. It may sound clichéd, but if you don’t believe in yourself, no one will. As women, we really must find that within ourselves. We are always looking for validation from someone else because that is how we’re taught, and that is what we’ve seen all our lives. But if you don’t believe in yourself, you can’t expect others to believe in you.
Q: What do you love most about basketball?
A: The thing I love most about basketball is that it has allowed me to connect with so many different people in so many ways, particularly the younger generation. It’s also has provided me with a platform to help others through the A’ja Wilson Foundation, as well as the Aces and WNBA community outreach efforts.
Arianna Van Houweling
Faith Lutheran Senior – 5A State Runner-Up Girls Tennis Team
Q: What’s your top sports goal for 2022?
A: My top sports goal for 2022 is to commit to a D1 college to further my tennis training and career through an amazing tennis program.
Q: What professional athlete do you admire?
A: I admire Christine Evert, 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, because of her amazing tennis skills and her fight on the court. She has such great mental toughness and grit which will help her right now as she is battling ovarian cancer.
Q: Best advice for young female athletes?
A: The best piece of advice I would give to young female athletes is to push yourself and work to become better every day and to remember to have fun even when it gets hard.
Q: What do you love most about tennis?
A: I love the feeling of accomplishment I get while playing tennis, win or lose, because either way I know that I tried my best, and I grow from every match I play.
Julianna Pena
UFC Bantamweight Champion
Q: What’s your top sports goal for 2022?
A: Right now, I’m extremely eager for a rematch against Amanda Nunes, where I will retain my title. It’s been a long journey for me to get here and I’m really enjoying the ride.
Q: What professional athlete do you admire?
A: As a little girl, my sister and I would join my mom at the kitchen counter where we had a little white box TV. While my mom prepped dinner, I remember watching our first favorite athletes. We watched the effervescent Christy Yamaguchi do spins, and the majestic Michelle Kwon smile after landing her jumps. They were my first favorite female athletes. As I got older, Venus and Serena came on the scene, and it was easy to see myself and my sisters in them. Seeing their power and bond was something we wanted to have, too. And of course, Laila Ali. Power, wit, determination. She is the total package.
Q: Best advice for young athletes?
A: My best piece of advice is to follow your heart. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. And if you do hear it, ignore the noise. Manifest what you want, and then work hard to get there. It is ok to fail. Don’t let that be a setback. I was knocked off my horse more times than I can count. But I got back on because I’m relentless when it comes to the things, I’m passionate about. A person who has a “never give up attitude” is hard to stop when focused. My mom always told me these things, especially when I’d be knocked off my horse. Her words always helped me get back on there. She told me I could do anything I set my mind to. Be relentless.
Q: What do you love most about being a UFC fighter?
A: Mano y mano – may the best woman win. There’s a hard truth that comes from every fight. You must come in and respect the person across from you when the cage door closes.
Alexis “Olivia” Dominguez-Millsop
Palo Verde High School Senior – Outfielder in Varsity Softball / Wide Receiver/Safety in Flag Football
Q: Top sports goal for 2022?
A: My top sports goal this year is to make it to state and get a ring for both softball and flag football!
Q: What professional athlete do you admire?
A: I’ve always admired Jennie Finch, Pitcher for the Arizona Wildcats who went on to play in the Olympics. I admire her because she showed me that through hard work and dedication, I can also achieve my dream of playing softball in college and then go to the Olympics.
Q: Best advice for young athletes?
A: Don’t compare yourself to others just out work them! Always be positive and give 110%!
Q: What do you love most about softball and flag football?
A: I love the lessons and lifelong friendships I’ve made through playing sports! Sports has given me the opportunity to find my true worth and strengths as a young female athlete!
Arabella Sims
2020/2021 Olympian in Swimming
Q: Top sports goal for 2022?
A: To be the best version of myself.
Q: What professional female athlete do you admire and why?
A: Katie Ledecky because she has accomplished so much in her career. If I accomplish half of what she has done, I will be proud of myself!
Q: Best piece of advice for young female athletes?
A: You can do anything. Don’t ever believe what people say you can’t.
Q: What do you love most about swimming?
A: I love that I get to bring my competitive side out. That and all the people I’ve met throughout this journey.
Lauryn Barker
Senior, UNLV Softball Team
Q: Top sports goal for 2022?
A: I’m entering my fourth season as a full-time starter at third base in 2022. My top sports goal is to win a Mountain West Conference Championship!
Q: What professional female athlete do you admire and why?
A: My favorite female athlete is Sydney Romero because she also plays third base. The way she competes is so admirable. She shows great composure when she makes mistakes. She demonstrates a strong work ethic and the way she carries herself on the field is top notch.
Q: Best piece of advice for young female athletes?
A: The best piece of advice for young female athletes is enjoy every moment that you get to play your sport and cherish the friendships you make along the way.
Q: What do you love most about softball?
A: I love getting to play the sport that I’m most passionate about alongside great teammates. When I play, I don’t think about anything else except softball. Some of my greatest memories have been on the field and I will forever cherish what the game has taught me.