Time once again for Outsports to stop the clock for an instant reply of the week that was. It’s my way of memorializing the glorious victories, the ignominious defeats, and the players and personalities who made them, lived them or just couldn’t avoid them. But this week, we’re all about the winners.

I realize my roster may differ from yours, and I welcome your comments, contributions and critiques. I read them all! Details on how to reach me are below, after our look at the week’s winners.

49ers one of just two undefeated teams, and with a gay coach on staff

Katie Sowers has been with the San Francisco 49ers for three seasons. This year they’re HOT HOT HOT!

The 6 out athletes playing in the NWSL final

There were three women playing for the NC Courage and three for the Red Stars who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual: Tierna Davidson of Menlo Park, Calif., played for Chicago, Abby Erceg of New Zealand, played for North Carolina, as did her girlfriend Kristen Hamilton of Littleton, Colo., Sam Kerr of Australia played for Chicago, as did her girlfriend Nikki Stanton of North Bend, Ind., and Stephanie Labbé of Canada played for North Carolina.

Former pro hockey player Janne Puhakka is the first in Finland to come out as gay

Janne Puhakka, a former Finnish pro hockey player, came out as gay in an interview and shared his experiences with homophobia.

USA Powerlifting and transgender athlete agree to talks related to trans ban

USA Powerlifting and lawyers representing a lifter who filed a discrimination complaint because of USAPL’s trans-exclusionary policy will attempt a settlement.

AND

Powerlifter JayCee Cooper on her fight to compete like any other woman

The Minnesota trans athlete who filed a discrimination claim against USA Powerlifting talks exclusively with Outsports now that her case is in mediation.

‘Hardball’ focuses on baseball’s complicated relationship with women athletes

A new baseball documentary showcases the past, present and future of women playing the national pastime.

Trans runner Isaac Grivett gears up for New York City Marathon

Isaac Grivett is passionate about running and about being an advocate for trans athletes.

Sonny Kiss and Dustin Rhodes are AEW’s latest dynamic duo

Kiss and the former Goldust united generations of LGBTQ pro wrestling representation on Tuesday’s episode of AEW Dark.

Lesbian weightlifter couple ties the knot by deadlifting over 250 pounds together

Lisa Yang and Zeena Hernandez picked up weightlifting as a date night activity. Then it became the symbol of their wedding.

A gay rowing coach rekindles love of sport after finally accepting himself

Marco Biagio, a South African rowing coach working in Germany, learned that hiding his true self only isolated him from his teammates. Now happily married, it’s something he now tries to help other youngsters realize.

NCAA consulted gay wrestler, social media influencer Dylan Geick in devising plan to compensate athletes

Wrestler Dylan Geick, whose social media presence exploded after coming out as gay, was among athletes who advised the NCAA on a compensation policy.

Gay 2020 Olympic track hopeful lets his performance do the talking

Race walker Matthew Forgues chose to live visibly as an out gay athlete so that ‘some kid struggling with their sexuality or gender identity in a tiny town will realize that they have a place in sport.

USA Hockey creates indefinite suspensions for racist and homophobic language

Reports of racist and homophobic harassment in hockey persist. Now USA Hockey’s throwing the book at offenders.

A moving tale of a Little League star’s coming out story

Phil Bildner’s forthcoming novel for young adults, “A High Five for Glenn Burke,” shines in revealing the story of one of baseball’s gay pioneers.

Trick-or-Treat! LGBTQ athletes show their spooktacular Halloween costumes

Our roundup of LGBTQ sports figures in Halloween costumes includes Gus Kenworthy, LZ Granderson and many more!

That’s all for this week! I’ll bring you a fresh list of winners and losers next Saturday. Got a name I missed, or want to challenge my choices? Comment here or on Facebook or Instagram, tweet at us, message me via any social media, or just plain email me at [email protected] Thanks!