Play It Forward: How Women Are Changing Sports to Change the World

New from TOGETHXR—the sports media company that set the sports world on fire with their defining statement “EVERYONE WATCHES WOMEN’S SPORTS"—this inspiring collection of stories shines a light on the grit, smarts, and determination of record-setting and boundary-breaking female athletes around the world and across sports.

Play It Forward features twenty‑five inspirational stories of badass women from all corners of the sports universe, curated by TOGETHXR, a sports media companyfounded by legends Sue Bird, Alex Morgan, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim. From profiles of professional athletes and Olympians at the top of their game to everyday women putting in the work without a crowd, these are true tales of fierce competitors, dedicated teammates, and passionate advocates who are all too accustomed to hearing the word “no.” Each story highlights an inspiring athlete or team who is defying expectations and rebelling against inequality in big and small ways, including: Indigenous women forming a softball team in Mexico Older women finding friendship and purpose through competitive swimming A woman mountain-climbing her way out of oppression in Afghanistan WNBA players developing a voice for social justice and influencing a pivotal election Incarcerated women playing soccer to prepare for life after release

For sports fans of all ages, Play it Forward celebrates and elevates the gutsy true stories of activists and dreamers who are changing the game, and the world of sports, for the better.  

WORLD’S GREATEST ATHLETES: A foreword and afterword by world-class athletes and Olympians Alex Morgan and Sue Bird set the stage and offer key context for this inspirational collection of stories of women who are defying the odds and breaking the rules.  

STORIES FROM ACROSS WOMEN'S SPORTS: TOGETHXR created the viral sensation "Everyone Watches Women Sports" that caught fire during the record-breaking NCAA 2024 Women's Basketball Tournament. Their ongoing mission is to elevate women's sports coverage in a space where culture, activism, lifestyle, and sports converge. In this powerhouse book, TOGETHXR gathers celebrity and everyday stories to create a breadth of inspiration from powerful women across a range of sports, from basketball, soccer, and hockey to swimming, gymnastics, rowing, and professional bowling.

CELEBRATION OF ATHLETES AT ALL AGES: These stories will appeal to generations of sports fans—from those who fought the early battles of Title IX to young women just lacing up their sneakers, ready to take on the world.

ENGAGING JOURNALISM: The stories are contemporary and underreported features covering athletes and teams that will be new to many readers. The essays are all written by acclaimed female and nonbinary journalists from around the world.

ULTIMATE GIFT FOR WOMEN: This is a perfect present for women to give women: mom to daughter, daughter to mom, grandmother to granddaughter, friend to friend, and many more.

Perfect for: Athletes and sports enthusiasts Parents, coaches, teachers, mentors Viewers of college and pro sports, the Women's World Cup, and the Olympics Fans of books about current events, feminism, or strong women Readers of Strong is the New Pretty and the Rebel Girls series Birthday, Mother’s Day, holiday, or graduation gifts for teens and adults Resource for celebrating International Women's Day and International Women in Sports Day

About the Author

TOGETHXR is a media and commerce company founded by Jessica Robertson and four of the world’s top professional athletes: Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel, and Sue Bird. With a focus on rich storytelling rooted in lifestyle and youth culture, TOGETHXR highlights a diverse and inclusive community of game changers, culture shapers, thought leaders, and barrier breakers. TOGETHXR’s in-house production studio has created a slate of scripted and unscripted premium content, including Power of the Dream, Surf Girls: Kaikaina, More Than a Name, FENOM, Summer of Gold, and more. In 2023, TOGETHXR was named one of Fast Company’s ten most innovative companies in sports and won Media Company of the Year in the 2023 DigiDay Media Awards.