In a remarkable shift over the past decade, women athletes have soared to new heights, breaking barriers and smashing gender stereotypes. The wave of recognition and popularity they now enjoy has brought increased support for women's sports, but it is clear that the journey toward true equality is far from over.

As the Siena College women's soccer team prepares for their upcoming season, the players eagerly discuss the surge in backing for their sport.

"It's extremely uplifting to see that a lot of other female athletes are starting to support each other,” goalkeeper Angela Fini said. “We're showing up for each other's games and starting to make soccer as well as other sports, become more of a talking subject and a subject that people know about.”

This burgeoning support is mirrored on a national scale, and evident in increased attendance, media coverage and sponsorship dollars in women's sports. 

“I think because we're given this opportunity to play at such a high level,” goalkeeper Brooke Boermeester said. “It's something that not a lot of women in sports are able to experience. And I think it's an opportunity we're all grateful for and we try not to take for granted or forget what we're doing.”

Leading the charge on the field is Steve Karbowski, who celebrates his 25th year as the head coach of Siena women's soccer. Under his guidance, the team has cultivated a culture of teamwork and support, creating a tight-knit bond among the athletes that drives them to achieve success both on and off the field.

"Be a good teammate, be supportive,” Karbowski said. “So, we just really have a nice group here that really pulls together and they're all excited to be back to start a new season.”

These advancements in women's sports are not isolated instances, but are part of a broader trend. Record earnings for athletes like Naomi Osaka and surging viewership in the WNBA's 25th season illustrate the state of women's sports.

For Fini, her role model Tobin Heath exemplifies this spirit. Fini admires Heath's relentless pursuit of success, despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way.

"I learned about how she was often cut from the team and she kept coming back every year,” Fini said. “She was very resilient and she didn't take no for an answer. And that was something that really kind of ignited something within me. And I looked up to her a lot from there.”

While the progress is undeniably encouraging, it is essential to remember that women's sports have not yet achieved full parity. As fans celebrate the rising support for women athletes, they must also recognize the obstacles they continue to face.

The Siena women's soccer team is preparing to take the field on Aug. 17 against Central Connecticut and later host Syracuse University on Aug. 20.