The Girls Who Beat the Odds: Stories of Women Who Changed the Course of Sports History-nurbook

The Girls Who Beat the Odds: Stories of Women Who Changed the Course of Sports History book cover

The Girls Who Beat the Odds: Stories of Women Who Changed the Course of Sports History

Author(s): Maj. Gen. Mari K. Eder (Author)

Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
Language: English
Print length: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1464244308
ISBN-13: 9781464244308

Book Description

The untold and unheralded stories of women in sports history, forgotten no longer…

So many women in sports history have been overlooked. Their strength and perseverance dismissed or forgotten. Even the most well-known women athletes don’t garner the same attention as their men counterparts.

Despite this, new generations are engaging with and supporting women athletes, both as individual stars and on teams. Men’s sports continues to dominate in terms of media coverage and airtime, but the momentum for women’s sports is here, and it’s growing. Women today, as skilled as they are in their own right, stand on the shoulders of the giants who built the game, brought the pain, stayed the course, and gave it their all.

This collection, from renowned speaker, author, and retired U.S. Army Major General Mari K. Eder highlights all of these women, covering incredible American athletes from the 1900s to the modern era.

The Girls Who Beat the Odds is a showcase of just how far women’s sports has come in the past hundred years―while honoring those who had the courage and fortitude to come first.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The Girls Who Beat the Odds is a powerful testament to how far women’s sports have come―and how much stronger we become when inclusion is not an afterthought, but a foundation. As a Paralympic Champion, I know firsthand how transformative it is to be seen, challenged, and valued for performance rather than limitations. The stories in this book reflect the true breadth of women’s athletics: across arenas, abilities, and identities. These athletes didn’t just beat the odds placed in front of them―they redefined what was possible. This book is both a celebration and a call to action to ensure the future of sport is equitable, accessible, and bold enough to include us all.” ― Muffy Davis, 7-time Paralympic Medalist

“Eder is a brilliant storyteller who underscores the talent and courage of women athletes who prevailed over opponents while battling sexism and racism. These victories are the foundation for women who earn well-deserved honors as the ‘Greatest of All Time’ in athletic competitions.” ― Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings, Author, A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion

“As a fellow veteran, I recognize in the stories told in The Girls Who Beat the Odds the same discipline, resilience, and sense of purpose that define leadership in uniform. These women succeeded in environments that were not built for them, relying on preparation, perseverance, and belief in something larger than themselves. This book is a fitting tribute to the women who pushed boundaries and expanded opportunity for those who followed.” ― Christine Dorfler, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the NFL

“An essential catch-up for sports fans on these overlooked athletes and an engaging look at leadership, ingenuity, and grit for non-sports fans.” ― Library Journal

About the Author

Mari K. Eder is a retired U.S. Army Major General, a renowned speaker and author, and a thought leader on strategic communication and leadership. General Eder is the former Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Joint and Special Troops Support Command, former Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve and former Deputy Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army. General Eder is the author of “Leading the Narrative: The Case for Strategic Communication,” published by the Naval Institute Press.

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