History
The Women's Sports Foundation began giving Sportswomen of the Year awards in 1980.
Originally, separate awards were given for amateur and professional athletes. Since 1993, the awards have been given for team and individual sports.
The "year" covered isn't a calendar year, but the period from August 1 of the previous year through July 31 of the year in which the award is presented.
The awards are presented at the foundation's annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner in October.
