The Stars of Sports and Screen Honor Courage, Legacy, and Triumph at the 2025 ESPYS
- Jessica Ross
- Jul 17
- 6 min read
By Jessica Ross
The 2025 ESPYS, presented by Capital One, brought together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 16th. Hosted by comedian and actor Shane Gillis, the annual awards show aired live on ABC and ESPN+, honoring the most unforgettable achievements, inspirational stories, and standout athletes of the year.
Gillis opened the show with his signature sharp wit, offering a comedic monologue that spared no one — from Aaron Rodgers to Simone Biles — in true ESPYS fashion. But beyond the laughs, the evening delivered heartfelt tributes, emotional speeches, and powerful performances that reminded audiences of the resilience, courage, and community behind every highlight reel.
Some of the night’s biggest honors went to Simone Biles, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Suni Lee, Ilona Maher, Alexander Ovechkin, and the Philadelphia Eagles, recognizing their excellence and impact across sports. Sloane Stephens also earned major recognition during the ceremony.
A dazzling array of stars appeared to present awards and celebrate the athletes, including Angela Bassett, Ciara, Flau’jae Johnson, Leslie Jones, Chloe Kim, Anthony Ramos, Russell Westbrook, and Russell Wilson, among others.
The ESPYS continued its tradition of presenting three of its most meaningful awards to individuals whose stories transcend:
Oscar Robertson, NBA legend and civil rights advocate, was awarded the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his trailblazing role in establishing free agency in the NBA. Presented by Russell Westbrook, Robertson inspired with a stirring message: “Do the right thing even if it comes at great personal sacrifice.”
Katie Schumacher-Cawley, head coach of Penn State Women’s Volleyball, received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Despite her battle with breast cancer, she led her team to a national championship. Her emotional speech moved the audience to a standing ovation: “Cancer changed my life, but it didn’t take my belief, my spirit, or my team.”
The Pat Tillman Award for Service was presented by Angela Bassett to David Walters and Erin Regan, both first responders and former athletes, for their heroic efforts during one of Los Angeles’ most devastating wildfires.
The Icon Award was presented to two trailblazers in women’s sports: Diana Taurasi and Alex Morgan. Morgan paid tribute to the generations of women who paved the way: “We’re standing on the shoulders of giants.” Taurasi gave thanks to her parents and shared a rallying cry for the next generation: “Bring that damn fire every day. No shortcuts. No apologies.”
In another touching moment, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and Pat McAfee paid tribute to broadcasting legend Lee Corso, who was then surprised by a lively performance from the USC Marching Band.
Music added a dynamic energy to the show with performances by Busta Rhymes, Clipse, GELO, and a moving In Memoriam tribute led by Tobe Nwigwe featuring David Michael Wyatt.
A host of other notable presenters and guests graced the stage, including Alison Brie, Damar Hamlin, Druski, Billie Jean King, Gabby Thomas, and Lindsey Vonn. The Dolby Theatre was also filled with a who's who of sports and Hollywood, from Jordan Chiles and Lamar Jackson to Suni Lee and Terrell Owens.
The ESPYS also serve a greater mission: raising funds and awareness for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, launched by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano. Since its inception, the event has helped raise over $265 millionin the fight against cancer.
COMPLETE LIST OF THE 2025 ESPYS WINNERS
Best Athlete - Men’s Sports - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best Athlete - Women’s Sports - Simone Biles, Gymnast
Best Breakthrough Athlete - Ilona Maher, Team USA Rugby
Best Record-Breaking Performance - Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals – NHL All-Time Goals
Leader
Best Championship Performance - Simone Biles, 2024 Olympics Women’s All-Around
Best Comeback Athlete - Suni Lee, Gymnast
Best Play - Saquon Barkley’s backwards hurdle, NFL (11/3/24)
Best Team - Philadelphia Eagles, NFL
Best College Athlete - Men’s Sports - Cooper Flagg, Duke Basketball
Best College Athlete - Women’s Sports - JuJu Watkins, USC Basketball
Best Athlete With A Disability - Noah Elliott, Snowboard
Best NFL Player - Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Best MLB Player - Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Best NHL Player - Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Best NBA Player - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Best WNBA Player - Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Best Driver - Max Verstappen, F1
Best UFC Fighter - Merab Dvalishvili
Best Boxer - Katie Taylor
Best Soccer Player - Christian Pulisic, AC Milan, US
Best Golfer - Scottie Scheffler
Best Tennis Player - Coco Gauff
Gatorade Best Female Player of the Year - Jane Hendengren, Cross Country, Track and Field
Gatorade Best Male Player of the Year - Cameron Boozer, Basketball
SPECIAL AWARDS
Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Katie Schumacher-Cawley
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Oscar Robertson
Pat Tillman Award for Service: David Walters and Erin Regan
SPORTS HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award: Sloane Stephens
Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award: Maegha Ramanathan, Rishin Tandon, Ian Waite
Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year: Indianapolis Colts
Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award Honoree: Billy Bean
Sports Philanthropist of the Year Honoree: Michele Kang
Corporate Community Impact Award: Buffalo Wild Wings
About The ESPYS
The 2025 ESPYS Presented by Capital One will air live from The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and will stream live on ESPN+. The ESPYS will also be available to stream on-demand the next day on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Top celebrities from sports and entertainment will come together to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major athletic achievements, reliving unforgettable moments, and saluting the leading performers and performances. The ESPYS help to raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS back in 1993. ESPN has helped raise more than $265 million for the V Foundation over the past 32 years. The ESPYS are co-produced by ESPN and Full Day Productions. Follow The 2025 ESPYS on X/Twitter @ESPYS.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.
Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Contributor Jessica Ross
Since August 2022, Jessica Ross has been a contributor at Heart of Hollywood Magazine. Recent work includes Hollywood Unexpected airing on the XOTV Network digitally and broadcast and a starring role in the upcoming suspense thriller, Mr. Smith. Recently, she was a lead and co-producer in "Chasing Stars", a comedic-drama with an all female cast and crew.
Center Stage, Vegas Unlimited, Indie Activity, Action Magazine, Voyage LA, Cinderella of New York, Juwai, Bizbooast, Heart of Hollywood, JAMO Magazine, Entertainment Network Live, It Can By You, Livein Style Magazine, BuzzFeed and CBS are just a few of the media outlets she has been featured on.
Email: Jessicaross2030@gmail.com
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