The 15 Coolest Female Firsts in History

First woman to be chosen Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsperson of the Year”

Professional tennis player, Billie Jean King aced several firsts. 1971: First female athlete in any sport to earn more than $100,000 in prize money in a single season ($117,000). 1972: First woman to be chosen Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsperson of the Year.” 1973: Defeated former No.1-ranked Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match.