Suzanne Wrack

Overpower. Overtake. Overcome. – Serena WilliamsThroughout history, every woman pulling on spikes, lacing up boots and picking up a racquet has been a rebel – and this explosive book aims to uncover the often hidden histories behind 50 of these incredible pioneers.From the first Black woman to be a professional softball player, Betty Chapman, to the iconic 'Battle of the Sexes' match won by Billie Jean King, and from trans trailblazer Laurel Hubbard to Emma Raducanu's unforgettable US Open win, award-winning sports journalist Suzanne Wrack celebrates sporting giants at the absolute top of their games.

***WINNER OF A SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARD***A TIMES SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEARLONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR'A truly important book.' MEGAN RAPINOE'Hardhitting and clear sighted.' THE TIMES'Impassioned . . . joyous.' SPECTATORDISCOVER THE STORY OF THE WOMEN WHO PAVED THE WAY FOR THE LIONESSESThis is the astonishing history of women's football: from the game's first appearance in England in the late nineteenth century to the incredible teams that at their height drew 53,000 spectators to Goodison Park, through to its fifty-year ban in the UK and the aftershocks when restrictions were lifted. Following the game's meteoric rise in recent years, Suzanne Wrack considers what the next chapter of this incredible story might - and should - be.'A thoroughly entertaining and enlightening read.'CLARE BALDING'A fantastic book on how the game has developed and what its future could hold.'PHIL NEVILLE'A compelling narrative . . . The history of the women's game has been long overlooked. This book celebrates it, and the teams and individuals who helped the sport develop into today's nationally and internationally recognized phenomenon.'TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT'Wrack is something of a trailblazer herself . . . few would be better placed to write its history.'IRISH TIMES