As I mentioned in my previous article, one of the reasons I play fantasy games is so that I have another reason to cheer on the players I like to root for. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll play just about anybody if I think they’ll help me win, but as a tiebreaker or in a standalone lineup, I often like to choose my favorite players. What makes these players my favorites? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but I will say most of these players seem like fun people. If you are a good podcast guest, have your own podcast, are entertaining on social media, or smoked a cigar in a championship celebration, there is a good chance I will root for you. Join our Discord and let me know your favorite athletes for fantasy games and otherwise.

1. Stefanie Dolson

There are a couple of players who make this list in part because they played for the Chicago teams I root for. Dolson was a fan favorite for her hard work, three-point shooting, and most importantly, her dance moves. She was an underrated part of the Sky team that won the title in 2021, and like other players on this list, her celebration in the championship parade was legendary.

2. Midge Purce

I think casual fans have forgotten how good Midge Purce is because she has missed so much time with injuries. She missed out on potentially playing in the World Cup in 2023 due to a quad injury, but returned to lead Gotham FC to the NWSL Championship while being named MVP of the championship match. She missed most of 2024 with a torn ACL but has returned to play in seven matches this season. Midge was one of my favorite players even before she made her Broadway debut last month.

3. Charley Hull

How do you not root for someone who can wake up, get sick, set a 5K PR and then shoot a 68? It certainly helps that I’m a runner, but I think the real reason I am drawn to her is that she just seems unapologetically herself, on the golf course and off. She made headlines for smoking cigarettes on the golf course, which was noteworthy in 2024 but would have been par for the course 20 years ago. She revealed on the No Laying Up podcast that one reason she used to smoke was because she would get bored on the golf course, which I could certainly relate to. I also appreciate Hull’s willingness to get interviewed on live tv in the middle of a U.S. Open round. I’m not aware of any other women who did that this year.

4. Madelene Sagstrom

In addition to being a good podcast guest and an underrated player, Madeline Sagstrom will likely always have a special place in my heart because of the money I have made both from using her in fantasy and betting on her for wins, top-10s and First Round Leader over the years. Sagstrom’s results have been up-and-down so far this season, but she remains a favorite of mine.

5. Casey Krueger

It doesn’t hurt that Krueger is from my neck of the woods in Naperville, Illinois, and she played for the Chicago Red Stars for nine seasons. I’m not above a bit of homerism. I also think one of the reasons I like her is that, similar to Midge Purce, I believe Krueger is underrated as a player. Krueger has made 27 appearances for the USWNT, but none in the World Cup. That is a trashishamockery.

6. Kelsey Plum

The story about playing against Diana Taurasi illustrates everything I love about Kelsey Plum. It also doesn't hurt that I enjoy her signature cigars. It took Plum a few years to break out in the WNBA after a historic college career at the University of Washington, and I am excited to see her lead her team in Los Angeles this season.

7. Sophie Cunningham

Cunningham is the quintessential player fans love when she is on their team and hate when she is on the opposing team. She is always mixing it up with opposing players and the refs, and while that drove me crazy during the 2021 WNBA finals, I respect the way she plays hard and does whatever she can to gain an advantage for her team.