espnW IMPACT25 Gala honors US Women’s National Team and more

espnW celebrated the 25 athletes and influencers on its IMPACT25 list at the inaugural espnW IMPACT25 Gala, presented by Northwestern Mutual. The IMPACT25 is an annual list of individuals who have made the biggest mark on women in sports in the last calendar year.

In December espnW unveiled the 2015 IMPACT25 list that honored respected athletes and influencers from the women’s sports world. The IMPACT25 list included: Simone Biles, Misty Copeland, Elena Delle Donne, Chloe Kim, Carli Lloyd, Jessica Mendoza, Ronda Rousey, Breanna Stewart, Serena Williams and Kirsten Gillibrand and many more. The Marvel Comics illustrations are available on a dedicated page, sponsored by Walmart.

The US Women’s National Team was recognized as the “Women of the Year” after their 2015 season and solidifying their No. 1 ranking in the world upon capturing the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. (l-r) Shannon Boxx, Hope Solo and Christie Rampone accepted the award.

Special Olympics gold medalist Olivia Quigley took home the first-ever Pegasus Award of Inspiration, honoring her accomplishments during her battle with stage four breast cancer during the 2015 Special Olympic World Games.

ESPN’s Hannah Storm was the host of the IMPACT25 Gala. For the first time, espnW teamed with Marvel Comics and created comic book “covers” that portrayed each honoree as a Marvel superhero.

WNBA’s Elena Delle Donne (left) and Tamika Catchings (right) with ESPN’s VP of Multimedia Strategy and Integration, Carol Stiff show their Marvel Comic “covers” that were apart of the IMPACT25 espnW and Marvel Comics collaboration.