9. Serena Williams’ Best Year Ever
Tennis powerhouse Serena Williams became the first woman to be named Sport’s Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year in early December. Williams earned 3 out of 4 grand slam titles in 2015 with a 53-3 record. The 33 year old was the Women’s Tennis Association’s Player of the Year for the 7th year in a row and also won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this tennis season. Check out her acceptance speech as SI’s honoree below:
8. Leah Still Becomes Youngest Recipient of Espy Award
On July 15th, Leah Still became the youngest recipient of an ESPY award as the 2015 winner of the Award for Perseverance. Leah was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer last year and her father, Cincinnati Bengals player Devon Still gave an emotional speech on her behalf. Watch below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p99H40Z53DQ