They Stay Winning: Athletes Who Took This Summer to the Next Level
UConn’s Azzi Fudd, 2025 Championship MOP and returning grad student (Joe Buglewicz | Getty Images)
There are some athletes who take summers off (if their sports allow)... and then there’s this lot. These athletes have been on the move, striking up brand deals, showing off their gym and recovery routines, releasing podcasts, showing off their fashion sense, and more this summer. We’re certain they won’t be stopping any time soon, but here are a few athletes who have dominated summer 2025 so far, all in their unique ways.
Trinity Rodman
Trinity took over summer 2025 in so many ways, we’ve lost count. From supporting boyfriend Ben Shelton at Wimbledon in only the most stunning outfits, to healing her back injury and scoring a game-winning goal her first night back, Trinity has done it all this season. Trinity has also become the face of the Adidas back-to-school clothes launch, traveled with Ben, and recorded many of her recovery sessions per her Instagram, and we can’t wait to continue to see her shine back on the pitch.
Azzi Fudd
Azzi Fudd’s off-season has been a whirlwind, and we’re totally here for it. From announcing her new podcast “Fudd Around and Find Out,” to dropping hints about her relationship and signing several brand deals, all while staying in the gym to get ready for her final season playing basketball at UConn, Azzi has absolutely been living it up this summer. (Also, can we talk about this look on her? Stunning!)
Kon Kneuppel
Kon Kneuppel started off his summer as the 4th pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and that alone is honestly a great way to start the season. This former Duke Blue Devil played in this year’s final four, was drafted to the Charlotte Hornets, and then went ahead to be named the 2k25 Summer League MVP after leading the Hornets to a championship win. On top of all of that great stuff, Kon also became a Chipotle partner during draft week and got to see his own order displayed on the app. Imagine how easy it is to order your usual steak bowl when Chipotle has it displayed for users to try 24/7? Too cool, Kon.
Kelsie Whitmore
Newest Savannah Banana pitcher Kelsie Whitmore has been making waves this summer and is slowly but surely becoming a household name in baseball. Alongside signing with the Bananas, Kelsie also recently signed with the Women’s Pro Baseball League this summer, to attend tryouts and try to get a high spot in the WPBL draft happening before the 2026 debut season. Kelsie is constantly making strides in baseball for women as a trailblazer and member of the USA Women’s National Team, and it’ll be amazing to see what she accomplishes in the WPBL and with the Savannah Bananas!
Jannik Sinner
After winning this year’s Wimbledon, playing the second-longest ever men's singles game against Carlos Alcaraz, and becoming a staple of Nike’s tennis lines, Jannik Sinner has pretty much done it all this summer. Jannik also has another secret talent that he’s indulged in this summer besides playing tennis, and released a feature on a song by Andrea Bocelli where he adds a spoken word narrative for Bocelli’s “Polvere e Gloria.”