When Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Caitlin Clark led Iowa Hawkeyes on April 7, she became the first Black Division 1 basketball head coach – male or female – to win three national championships. No other.

In the world of sports, Black women continue to work tirelessly to overcome barriers and carve out their place in the industry. Despite their efforts, they often face delays, missed opportunities, and systemic obstacles. For Black women, the path is far from straight forward. Deeply rooted societal and institutional barriers hinder their progress, contributing to their underrepresentation in high-profile roles, especially in sports. One such example of resilience amid adversity is WNBA star Jonquel Jones.