LOS ANGELES — Led by host Serena Williams, The ESPYS celebrated a landmark year for women's sports, with Simone Biles, A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, Dawn Staley and JuJu Watkins among the honorees on Thursday night. Staley, coach of the national champion South Carolina women's basketball team, received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Her friend, Tennessee standout Nicki McCray-Penson, died of breast cancer and Staley's sister was diagnosed with leukemia.
"I must confess I feel a little undeserving of this recognition. Past recipients of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award have faced incredible challenges and proven themselves as true warriors," Staley said. "I have merely been a spectator to such immense courage and resilience.
" Staley's Gamecocks won the best team award. Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces won as best women's sports athlete and as best WNBA player. "It's crazy to think that a young girl that didn't even want to play basketball is now up in the running for even one ESPY," she said in videotaped remarks.
The best men's sports athlete was Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He also claimed best NFL player. Biles earned best comeback athlete weeks before she competes at the Paris Olympics.
The most decorated gymnast in history withdrew from the team competition at the Tokyo Games to prioritize her mental health. Clark of the Indiana Fever also earned two trophies, for record-breaking performance in becoming the NCAA's all-time career scoring leader, and as b.
