Riley Gaines is a former NCAA swimmer, political activist, and advocate for women’s sports. She is a 12-time NCAA All-American and SEC Champion, known for her success as a University of Kentucky swimmer. In recent years, she has gained national recognition for her advocacy against transgender women competing in women’s sports, becoming a leading conservative voice on the issue.
As of 2025, Gaines is a public speaker, podcast host, and political commentator, working with Fox News, OutKick, and the Leadership Institute.
This article explores Riley Gaines’ net worth, career, biography, personal life, activism, family, and more.
Riley Gaines Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Riley Marie Gaines Barker |
| Profession | Athlete, Political Activist, Public Speaker |
| Current Role | Host of Gaines for Girls podcast (OutKick & Fox Nation) |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 2000 |
| Age (2025) | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 136 lbs (62 kg) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Years Active | 2019–present |
Early Life and Swimming Career
Early Life
- Born on April 21, 2000, in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Grew up in Gallatin, Tennessee, and attended Station Camp High School.
- Comes from a family of athletes:
- Father – Brad Gaines (former Vanderbilt football player).
- Mother – Telisha Gaines (former softball player at Austin Peay).
College Swimming Career (2018–2022)
- Attended the University of Kentucky, where she excelled in collegiate swimming.
- SEC and NCAA Achievements:
- 12-time NCAA All-American
- SEC Champion in 200-yard butterfly (2022)
- SEC Champion in 800-yard freestyle relay (2021)
- Silver Medalist in 2021 NCAA Women’s Championships (4×200 freestyle relay)
- Qualified for the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials but did not make the team.
- Retired from competitive swimming in 2022 after finishing tied for fifth in the 200-yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships.
Riley Gaines’ Activism and Advocacy
Riley Gaines became a prominent activist in 2022 after competing against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas at the NCAA Women’s Championships. This led her to speak out against trans women competing in women’s sports.
Key Moments in Activism
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | Advocacy Begins | Publicly criticized NCAA rules after competing against Lia Thomas. |
| September 2022 | Rand Paul Campaign Ad | Supported Senator Rand Paul, advocating for single-sex sports. |
| March 2023 | Texas Senate Testimony | Spoke in support of a law banning trans women from college sports. |
| April 2023 | San Francisco State Incident | Protested at a TPUSA event, claimed she was physically assaulted. |
| June 2023 | U.S. Senate Hearing | Testified before Congress about Title IX and women’s sports. |
| August 2023 | FIDE Chess Ban | Helped push for banning trans women from competing in women’s chess. |
| March 2024 | NCAA Lawsuit | Filed lawsuit against the NCAA over trans athlete policies. |
| August 2024 | Riley Gaines Center | Launched a women’s sports advocacy organization. |
Current Roles (2025)
- Host of Gaines for Girls Podcast (OutKick & Fox Nation).
- Public Speaker and Political Commentator.
- Works with conservative organizations, including Leadership Institute & Independent Women’s Voice.
- Supports Republican candidates & policies regarding women’s sports.
Net Worth and Salary
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Public Speaking & Events | $20,000 – $50,000 per event |
| Podcast & Media Work | $250,000+ per year |
| Sponsorships & Endorsements | $500,000+ annually |
| Total Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $3 million |
Personal Life and Relationships
Family and Background
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Father | Brad Gaines (former Vanderbilt football player) |
| Mother | Telisha Gaines (former softball player) |
| Spouse | Louis Barker (m. 2022) |
Marriage
- Married British swimmer Louis Barker in 2022.
- Met at the University of Kentucky, where he was also a collegiate swimmer.
Religious & Political Views
- Christian – Says her faith guides her activism.
- Conservative – Supports Republican policies on women’s sports & Title IX.
- Endorsed Ron DeSantis in 2023 but later supported Donald Trump.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | 136 lbs (62 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Tattoos | None |
Lesser-Known Facts About Riley Gaines
- Started swimming at age 8 and quickly became one of Tennessee’s top young swimmers.
- Was originally studying to become a dentist before shifting to activism.
- Has testified before the U.S. Senate multiple times on Title IX and women’s rights.
- Competed against Olympic swimmers during her college career.
- Became a household name after tying against Lia Thomas in 2022.
- Has been endorsed by major conservative figures like Donald Trump & Ron DeSantis.
- Launched a legal case against the NCAA in 2024 over trans athlete participation.
- Co-founded the Riley Gaines Center in 2024, promoting single-sex sports.
- Was a competitive swimmer for over 15 years before retiring in 2022.
- Hosts a successful podcast on OutKick and Fox Nation focused on women’s sports issues.
FAQs About Riley Gaines
Q: What is Riley Gaines’ net worth in 2025?
A: Estimated at $3 million.
Q: Who is Riley Gaines married to?
A: British swimmer Louis Barker (married in 2022).
Q: What is Riley Gaines known for?
A: She is a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer and a leading activist for single-sex sports.
Q: What political party does Riley Gaines support?
A: She is a conservative Republican, endorsing Trump and DeSantis.
Q: What is the Riley Gaines Center?
A: A women’s sports advocacy group promoting Title IX protections.
Conclusion
Riley Gaines has transformed from a championship-winning NCAA swimmer into a national advocate for women’s sports and conservative politics. With a net worth of $3 million, a successful career in media and public speaking, and ongoing activism, she remains a major figure in the debate on gender and athletics. 🚀🏆
