11 awesome images of awesome American female athletes being awesome

By Fusion Staff | July 6, 2015 | 7:08pm

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Badass women are in the sports spotlight right now. With the US Women’s National Team kicking their way to an astounding World Cup victory and Venus and Serena Williams taking center stage at Wimbledon, it’s clear that American female athletes are having a great week. Let’s gaze upon some fierceness, shall we?

Venus Williams

In 2011, Venus was diagnosed with Sjogren’s disease, which is known to cause debilitating joint pain and ultimately forced the 5-time Wimbledon champion to drop out of the US Open. Four years later, Venus has fought back and made it to the fourth round of this year’s Wimbledon finals. Though she lost against her sister Serena in advancing to quarterfinals, Venus maintains an excellent record and was this year’s oldest player on the field despite her health issues. What’s your excuse?

Serena Williams

Serena is among the select few humans who can say they’re a five-time Wimbledon champion AND have a sister who is a five-time Wimbledon champion. Today, Serena triumphed over Venus in the sisters’ 26th career meeting and is on her way to advancing to the tournament’s quarterfinals. If Serena wins titles at Wimbledon and the forthcoming U.S Open, she will make tennis history by winning all four grand slams within a calendar year – a feat last accomplished in 1988 by Steffi Graf.

Oh, and she does not like to be tested.

Hope Solo

This record-holding goalkeeper has been consistently voted one of the best in the world and her winning the Golden Glove for the second time is a testament to her talent. Can we say #goaliegoals?

Carli Lloyd

Carli was scoring records on records in the most successful 90 minutes a person could ever have. The midfielder scored three goals within the first 16 minutes of the game, thereby becoming the first ever woman — and second player — to score a hat trick in a final. Homegirl kicks balls and serious ass.

Abby Wambach

Abby’s only wish was to finish the final chapter of her illustrious soccer career with a World Cup win for the United States — something that had not been achieved since 1999. Through relentless dedication, teamwork, and an inspiring pre-final speech, the 35-year-old celebrated finally achieving her wildest dream. Who’s the real Captain America now?

Christie Rampone

Christie is not only a star player and one of the fastest on the team, but she is also the only 40-year-old to have ever played on the World Cup stage. And she has two kids!

Alex Morgan

Alex now has a World Cup win to add to her already impressive resume. In addition to her success as a forward, Morgan has managed to publish a successful children’s book series and has a degree in political economy from Berkeley.

Morgan Brian

Morgan is not only feeling 22 — she’s owning it. As the youngest player on the team, she achieved a rapid and rightly deserved rise to stardom after finishing strong on University of Virginia’s collegiate soccer team. Last night, she got to be a part of a soccer World Cup victory, a feat last achieved when Morgan was only six years old.

Move aside Taylor Swift and crew, #USWNT are so #squadgoals right now.

Nikita Redkar is the editorial intern for Fusion who loves writing all things pop culture and feminism – sprinkled with the occasional punchline. She likes cute animal gifs and dislikes long walks on the beach, plagues, and other cliches.