--- title: ESPY Awards description: ESPY Awards --- [1-858-228-3771](tel:1-858-228-3771) [![SpeakInc](https://blog.speakinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/speakinc-logo.png?width=197&height=48&name=speakinc-logo.png "SpeakInc")](http://speakinc.com/) - [Speakers](http://speakinc.com/speaker) - [Individual Speakers](http://speakinc.com/speaker) - [Speaker News](http://speakinc.com/speaker-news/) - [About](http://speakinc.com/about) - [Our Team](http://speakinc.com/our-team) - [Careers](http://speakinc.com/about/careers) - [Blog](https://blog.speakinc.com/our-blog) - [FAQ](http://speakinc.com/faq) - [Contact Us](http://speakinc.com/contact-us) - [Request Consultation](http://speakinc.com/contact/request-consultation) - [Become a SpeakInc Speaker](http://speakinc.com/contact-us/become-a-speakinc-speaker/) # SpeakInc Blog # ESPY Awards by [Chris](https://blog.speakinc.com/author/chris) | July 20, 2009 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The 17th Annual ESPY Awards, which honor current and past athletes, were last night on *ESPN*.  This year’s host was Samuel L. Jackson. This year, Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer Michael Phelps ended Tiger Woods’ 5-year reign as Best Male Athlete. Other winners include: Best Coach-Manager
- Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers Best Breakthrough Athlete - Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons Best Male Athlete With A Disability - Jason Lester, Ironman Best Female Athlete With A Disability - Erin Popovich, Swimming Best Baseball Player - Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals Best NBA Player
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers Best WNBA Player
- Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks Best NFL Player
- Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals Best NHL Player
- Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins Best MLS Player
- Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy Best Male Action Sports Athlete
- Shaun White, Snow/Skate boarding Best Female Action Sports Athlete
- Maya Gabeira, Surfing Best Driver
- Jimmie Johnson Best Male Golfer
- Tiger Woods Best Female Golfer
- Lorena Ochoa Best Male Tennis Player
- Roger Federer Best Female Tennis Player
- Serena Williams
 Special Award: Arthur Ashe Courage Award presented to an individual for their personal courage or charitable works outside the sports arena - President Nelson Mandela. For information on sport speakers, contact us at [info](mailto:info@speakinc.com)[@speakinc.com](mailto:info@speakinc.com). Topics: [Blog](https://blog.speakinc.com/topic/blog) ### Written by [Chris](https://blog.speakinc.com/author/chris) [![Need more information? Let our experts take the guesswork out of planning this key element of your next meeting and find the right keynote speaker for your event.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/421388/interactive-209241923181.png)](https://blog.speakinc.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJAOmAsRilEPfFtHPIqkWaUVjZjQZfvcM9iZNjUqPFhEVeWaF0FumAqP8wNm7G%2FJ58i6CKr3uWFUBtPQMQZhryVsPkoUU%2Bv%2FBmPlqrCu9Mq2OuiDuagYS%2FcN%2BY%2FOzmtwO6PQK7omjDkzDXFpC%2Fe2SL5rc91QSFmEPtA%2B9%2FTF62IlQl1S2XD6VHpfbtob%2FtP2DXX9LsRvZL&webInteractiveContentId=209241923181&portalId=421388) Name/Category Search ### **Don't Miss Out!** Get monthly email notifications of our latest articles that include: - Keynote Speaker Highlights - Conference & Event Planning Tips - Free Resources - Industry News [1-858-228-3771](tel:1-858-228-3771) **SpeakInc.** 10680 Treena Street, Suite 230 San Diego, CA 92131 - [Home](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/) - [Privacy Policy](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms & Conditions](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/terms-conditions/) - [Live Chat](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/creating-complete-well-done-conference-website/#live-chat) - - - - ### Sign Up for Industry News Disclaimer: Speak Inc. Speakers Bureau is not responsible for errors, omissions or outdated information on this website. The material presented on this site is provided by the speakers who are accountable for any copyright information including licensing fees if required. Speak Inc. Speakers Bureau has permission to post the biographies, topics, photos and videos with the understanding from the speakers that the information presented is legally owned by them. © 2026 SpeakInc. All rights reserved.