At a time when #trans students' rights to participate in athletics are being challenged by legislation in red states across the country, former University of Pennsylvania swimmer liakthomas is an inspiration. 👏 In fact, #LiaThomas's alma mater recently nominated her for the 2022 #NCAA Woman of the Year award after she made history earlier this year as the first trans woman to win a Division 1 title, taking first place in the women's 500-yard freestyle event back in March. The winner is set to be announced at the ncaa convention in January 2023. Thomas has spoken at lengths about both her transition and the battle she's faced competing as a trans athlete, telling goodmorningamerica in May, "I knew there would be scrutiny against me if I competed as a woman. But also I don't need anybody's permission to be myself and to do the sport that I love." Regardless of the outcome, we can't wait to see what this trailblazer does next. ❤