"I consider this a complete win. The biggest question coming in was, Would guys in the NFL respond to a woman coaching them? And the obvious answer is, Yes." -- Jen Welter
Jen Welter made serious waves this year in arguably the biggest boys' club going: the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals hired the former collegiate rugby player and Indoor Football League tight end as an assistant-coaching intern for training camp and most of the preseason. Welter, who has a PhD in psychology, was lauded for her coaching style, which focuses on building confidence and on-field skills.
Still, when her six-week internship was up, the Cardinals didn't have a permanent spot for her on the sidelines.
Welter's still looking for an NFL job, but regardless of that outcome, her legacy is guaranteed: In August, her coaching shirt was hung in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
More On Jen Welter
• Under the microscope Story »
• The importance of Welter's internship Story »
• Welter's Cardinals introduction Video »
The IMPACT25 is espnW's annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest impact for women in sports. Explore the 2015 list at espnW.com/IMPACT25.