LOS ANGELES — The ESPYS Awards, hosted by Serena Williams, celebrated a historic year for women’s sports, with Simone Biles, Aja Wilson, Kaitlyn Clarke, Dawn Staley and JoJo Watkins among the honorees Thursday night.
Staley, the South Carolina women’s basketball coach, received the Jimmy V. Perseverance Award for her support and fight for equality in women’s sports and for her leadership in the fight against cancer. Her friend, Tennessee standout Nikki McCray-Penson, died of breast cancer and Staley’s sister was diagnosed with leukemia. Staley was driven by their fights to become an advocate for cancer research.
“I have to admit that I feel undeserving of this honor. Previous recipients of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award have faced incredible challenges and proven themselves to be true warriors,” Staley said. “I was just a bystander to this tremendous courage and resilience.”
Staley’s Gamecocks won the Most Valuable Team award.
Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces was named the WNBA Women’s Athlete of the Year and WNBA Player of the Year.
“It’s crazy to think that a little girl who didn’t even want to play basketball is now nominated for even one ESPY,” she said in videotaped remarks.
Biles won the Comeback Athlete of the Year award weeks before competing in the Paris Olympics. The most decorated gymnast in history withdrew from the team competition at the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health.
Clark of the Indiana Fever also received two trophies, for record-breaking performance in becoming the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader, and for college female athlete of the year, for her basketball career at Iowa State.
“I’m a little busy in Indianapolis,” Clark said via video. “It’s been a big year for women’s athletics.”
Watkins won the Best New Athlete award, taking home the top prize after the show started 30 minutes late due to President Joe Biden’s press conference.
The Southern California basketball star had a breakout season, leading the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals for the first time in decades.
“This is crazy,” Watkins said. “I want to thank all the great, strong women who came before me and made this possible.”
Williams cracked a joke during her performance at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, then sang after Sierra opened the show with a musical performance. Williams’ older sister, Venus, then came out joking that she had already been asked to be the host, and the siblings got into a mock argument.
“You might be wondering why I do this? Any chance I can wear 16 outfits in three hours, I’ll take it,” said Serena, the famous fashion expert.
Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Service Award, and mentioned the mother of the late soldier who criticized ESPN for honoring the prince.
With his wife Meghan joining them in a standing ovation, the Duke of Sussex accepted the trophy from three veterans who were injured while serving. Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot.
He created the Invictus Games in 2014, which are a multi-sport Paralympic-style games for wounded or injured military personnel and veterans.
“This award belongs to them, not to me,” Harry said.
Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, criticized ESPN’s choice of Harry, saying there were recipients working in the veterans community who would have been better suited. Harry thanked Tillman’s widow, Mary, for attending and also praised Mary Tillman.
“Her advocacy for a legacy is deeply personal and I respect it. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses,” he said.
Retired football player Steve Gleason has been honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2011. His nonprofit, Team Gleason, helps people with ALS live meaningful lives by providing programming and support services.
Gleason received a standing ovation when he was wheeled onto the stage and kissed by his former New Orleans Saints teammate Drew Brees. Gleason’s voice was heard through special technology. His young son Rivers stood next to his father, holding the trophy.
“For me, this honor is a bit of encouragement and a victory for families who are currently living with ALS, and all people who have other disabilities or illnesses,” he said. “I think if you never feel afraid or isolated or suffering, you can leave this place.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Otani was named Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Player; the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid was named NHL’s Most Valuable Player; and the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic was named NBA’s Most Valuable Player.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was named the men’s sports athlete of the year. He was also named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player.
Montverde Academy (Fla.) goalie Cooper Flagg and Ventura High School (Calif.) track and field athlete Sadie Engelhardt were named Gatorade National Player of the Year.
The three-hour program on ABC was delayed when Biden’s nationally televised press conference began late and ran for 30 minutes of the show’s time slot.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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