Highlights

• Nemona, Geeta, Carmine, Lacey, and Amarys are strong female Pokemon trainers in the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet game.
• Nemona is a former Champion and has a diverse team of Pokemon with different types.
• Geeta, Carmine, Lacey, and Amarys are all members of the Blueberry Academy and have unique teams specializing in different types.

Every trainer in the world of Pokemon aims to be one thing: The very best, like no one ever was. Hundreds of candidates may go against each other in fierce battles for the number one spot... but only a scarce few come out on top.

The ladies of the Pokemon universe are no exception; these battlers are notorious in the community and looked up to by many. However, the question still stands: Who's the strongest female Pokemon trainer of all? Many are competent enough for the podium, but only a select few can be powerful enough to reach the top.

Updated February 8, 2024 by Ben Painter: The Pokemon franchise is filled with a plethora of powerful trainers, starting with the original, Red. But there aren't just male characters who are strong, there are several powerful female trainers that are present throughout the Pokemon games and anime. This includes the latest entry in the franchise, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and its two-part DLC The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero, The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk. Here in Paldea, female trainers play a big part in the story, just like in previous entries, the champion of the region is a female.

Every trainer's team is prior to any post-game content.

23 Nemona

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

About Nemona

Nemona is the player's rival throughout the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet; she is more of a friendly rival, spurring the player on throughout the story. As a Champion-ranked trainer, it is implied that she has more Pokemon than what is seen in the games and instead chooses to raise Pokemon with the same level as the player. She uses a mixed team of Pokemon, with her starter Pokemon that is weak to the stater the gamer has chosen.

Where To Find Nemona

She is first encountered in Cabo Poco, the player's hometown, and pops up for a battle several times throughout the story, culminating in a final battle once the Elite Four and Champion have been defeated.

Quote From Nemona In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

"You ready for a battle between Champions? ’Cause all these folks here seem ready to watch. Word got around, I guess!"

This is taken from the battle directly after the player becomes Champion. Nemona, herself, being a former Champion, it is set to be a battle of the ages, and the residents of Paldea are there to take it all in.

Nemona's Final Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Team:

22 Geeta

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

About Geeta

This cool, calm, and collected trainer is the Top Champion of the Paldea region, and along with her Ace Pokemon Glimmora, she has a stacked team of some of the best Pokemon found in the games. Her team of mixed-types is a challenge for the trainer, but it should be a breeze with a keen strategy.

Where To Find Geeta

As the Champion of the Elite Four, she is found on the rooftop of the Victory Road building, eagerly awaiting the trainer's challenge. She is the final step in the road of the main character becoming the Paldea Champion.

Quote From Nemona In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

“I am utterly incapable of holding back when it comes to Pokémon battles.”

Geeta certainly seems full of herself, but it is all due to her love of battle; it is this attitude that has made her the Top Champion. Little does she know that the real champion is waiting in the wings.

Geeta's Scarlet & Violet Team:

21 Carmine

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - The Hidden Treasures Of Area Zero: Part One - The Teal Mask

About Carmine

Carmine is a trainer who is from the land of Kitakami, where the player arrives on a school trip. This trainer quickly becomes a rival and challenges the player to many battles throughout the story of the Teal Mask DLC. Using her signature, the new Pokemon Sinistcha, she offers a fierce battle and appears to have a tendency towards Dark types.

Where To Find Carmine

She is first encountered in Kitakami as one of the first NPC's that the players meet, her house is situated in Mossui Town and the player meets her and her brother Kieran outside the Community Center.

Quote From Carmine In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

"Welcome to Kitakami! For your first experience, get ready to eat dirt!"

This quote certainly showcases Carmine's competitiveness in the game and how much she rates herself as a trainer, as a member of Blueberry Academy, she is very adept in battling.

Carmine's Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Final Team:

20 Lacey

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - The Hidden Treasures Of Area Zero: Part Two - The Indigo Disk

About Lacey

Lacey is a coveted member of the Blueberry Academy Elite Four, a Fairy-type specialist, she has a fondness for cute Pokemon. As every battle in the BB Academy terrarium is a double battle, her team consists of tough Pokemon that work well with each other, so taking on Lacey and her Fairies is not going to be a walk in the park.

Where To Find Lacey

The player first meets Lacey in the entrance to the Blueberry Academy, but in order to take her on in battle, the trainer must head to the Costal Biome and its plaza.

Quote From Lacey In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

"Let me properly introduce myself for this. I am Lacey of the Elite Four. I really didn't expect I'd get a challenge from someone like you, <player>. Rightfully, you do belong to a different school. Honestly, I'm still a bit shocked, but I won't let my personal feelings get in the way of our battle!"

Lacey was reluctant to let the player join the League Battle Club, as the player wasn't technically a student at the Blueberry Academy. This shows she is certainly a stickler for the rules.

Lacey's Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Final Team:

19 Amarys

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet - The Hidden Treasures Of Area Zero: Part Two - The Indigo Disk

About Amarys

As a Steel-type Trainer, Amarys is a tough battler with a double battle style. Steel types are the best Pokemon defensively, so an equally hard battle strategy must be crafted to take on this trainer in the Blueberry Academy terrarium. She maintains a reserved and level-headed exterior and that is present in her encounters with the player.

Where To Find Amarys

The trainer must head to the Canyon Biome in the terrarium to take on Amarys in her Elite Four battle, but she is first seen in the Central Plaza of the BB Academy.

Quote From Amarys In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

"The decision to allow you to take on the League was irregular. An exception among exceptions... I was against it, as you know. But the academy allowed it, and their ruling is absolute. Therefore, I will carry out my duty as a member of the Elite Four as flawlessly as I always do."

Amarys was against the player taking on the League, but she is one for democracy and remained loyal to her duties. She is almost robotic in her speech, very reminiscent of her specialized typing.

Amarys' Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Final Team:

18 Lorelei

Pokemon Red & Blue

About Lorelei

This cool trainer hails from the Kanto region and specializes in Ice-type Pokemon...and Slowbro. She uses bitterly cold Blizzard and Ice Beam attacks unleashed by wintery Pokemon such as majestic Lapras and the fortified Cloyster. In battle, Lorelei will attempt to freeze her opponent's Pokemon, rendering them helpless against further icy assaults.

Where To Find Lorelei

She is the first member of the Elite Four in her homeland that the player can face in the Generation I Pokemon games. As such, she acts as the gatekeeper to the realms of the mightiest female trainers in the whole region.

Quote From Lorelei In Pokemon Red & Blue

"...No one can best me when it comes to icy Pokemon! Freezing moves are powerful! Your Pokemon will be at my mercy when they are frozen solid!"

As one would expect from such a line, players will be going up against many Ice-type Pokemon. Be sure to bring some fire and electricity to deal with her Ice-type and Water-type team.

Lorelei's Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen Team:

17 Serena

Pokemon X & Y

About Serena

This fashionista is a creative powerhouse with enough potential to become the top Pokemon Performer (while still maintaining an excellent reputation as a Trainer, too.) Stemming from the Kalos region, Serena favors beautiful and flashy Pokemon to assist in her quest to become the most elegant entertainer around while simultaneously flexing the dazzling diversity in her wardrobe in the process.

Where to find Serena

Serena is a playable character in Pokemon X & Y but can also take on the role of the player's main rival and, therefore, pops up throughout the game, starting her adventures from Vaniville Town.

Quote From Serena In Pokemon Pokemon X and Y

"I will master Mega Evolution and set myself apart from other Trainers. I'll also do it for my Pokemon. We've come so far together, and they never stopped believing in me, their Trainer."

Serena has managed to carve her own niche in this male-dominated franchise and has arguably become the most admired of all the female Pokemon characters. She emphasizes Pokemon's primary theme of friendship and adds some romance into the mix while pumping up the cuteness factor to the max.

Serena's Pokemon X&Y Team:

16 Agatha

Pokemon Red & Blue

About Agatha

Another from the Kanto Elite Four, Agatha is one of the most experienced female Pokemon trainers in the franchise. She has been raising and battling Pokemon since she was a child, over half a century ago. She also has known Professor Oak for a very long time, and, at one point, they were quite close. She uses Poison-type Pokemon, though her more prominent team members are her Ghost-type Pokemon Haunter and Gengar.

Where To Find Agatha

Agatha is the 3rd member one will face in the Kanto region's Elite Four. She is after the 2nd member, Bruno, and his physically powerful Pokemon team.

Quote From Agatha In Pokemon Red & Blue

"...Pokemon are for fighting! (player's name)! I'll show you how a real trainer fights!"

Agatha is unrelenting in battle and clearly sees pocket monsters as warriors to be pitted against one another. As such, she will use devious tactics to take down the player's Pokemon. Her team will poison and confuse enemies until they are rendered inert.

Agatha's Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen Team:

15 Phoebe

Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire

About Phoebe

Phoebe is an Elite Four member who also specializes in Ghost-type Pokemon, though she lives in the Hoenn region. Don't take her casual appearance and relaxed nature as a sign of weakness, however, as her Dusclops and Sableye can curse one into oblivion. However, if that doesn't work, she'll use a flurry of heavy-hitting Ghost-type attacks like Shadow Punch and Shadow Ball. The only counter to her team is Dark-type pocket monsters or over-leveled ones of a type that take neutral damage from her ethereal attacks.

Where To Find Phoebe

Phoebe is the 2nd member of the Hoenn Elite Four, after Sidney, the Dark-type Pokemon trainer.

Quote From Phoebe In Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire

"I did my training on Mt. Pyre. While I trained, I gained the ability to commune with Ghost-type Pokemon."

Without a doubt, Phoebe is the region's foremost expert on Ghost-type Pokemon, as there are few others who have spent as much time honing their senses enough to communicate with cross-dimensional entities.

Phoebe's OmegaRuby & AlphaSapphire Team:

14 Flannery

Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire

About Flannery

A fiery femme fatale from the Hoenn region is one of the fiercest trainers in the Generation 3 games. Flannery scorches foes to ashes with her burning passion for battle as well as for her Fire-type Pokemon. Her Torkoal is a resilient opponent who can unleash a devastating Overheat attack if left unchecked. Even Water-type Pokemon may not quench her flames, as her Torkoal's Drought renders aquatic attacks half as effective as they normally would be while boosting Fire-type attacks by a similar amount. Her Slugma and Magcargo are also tough adversaries who have great defensive bulk and powerful plumes of fire.

Where To Find Flannery

Flannery can be battled in Lavaridge Town's gym, though players will have to go through some strange trials before being able to face this fiery gym leader.

Quote From Flannery In Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire

"Dare not underestimate me, though I have been Leader only a short time! With skills inherited from my grandfather, I shall, uh...demonstrate the hot moves we have honed on this land!"

Clearly passionate yet inexperienced, Flannery simply can't seem to contain herself when speaking of battle. Her uncertainty when speaking makes it clear she's not yet used to accepting challenges from trainers; however, her skills in battle more than makeup for it.

Flannery's OmegaRuby & AlphaSapphire Team:

13 Karen

Pokemon Gold & Silver

About Karen

Famous for her line claiming that the truly strong trainers of the world only battle using their favorite Pokemon, Karen has become known as one of the mightiest Dark-type trainers in the series since her appearance in the Generation 2 games. She has a surprisingly well-rounded lineup for a team that consists mostly of one type. Her Umbreon is a stalwart wall that can take, as well as dish out, many blows, and her Houndoom is a brutal foe with great damage output. She also has a Murkrow known to easily confound any enemy Pokemon with Confuse Ray before setting forth with a barrage of shadowy strikes.

Where To Find Karen

Karen can be battled as the 4th member of the Kanto region's Elite Four, after Bruno, the 3rd member, though only in the Generation 2 and 4 games where she appears.

Quote From Karen In Pokemon Gold & Silver

"Strong Pokemon. Weak Pokemon. That is only the selfish perception of people. Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favorites. I like your style. You understand what's important. Go on — — the Champion is waiting."

Wise words and very appropriate ones to say to a trainer who has likely had to hone and balance their team countless times to reach this point. Karen speaks these words after being defeated by the player, acknowledging their strength and worthiness to battle the Champion.

Karen's Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Team:

12 Jessie

Pokemon Yellow

About Jessie

This Team Rocket member is one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise. She and her partner-in-crime, James, have been trying to steal Pikachu away from our protagonist, Ash, for the past 23 seasons of the anime, but this isn't about them. In an average episode, she may seem like a pushover, but in reality, she's quite the formidable foe. Jessie has trained many powerful 'mons, including her recognizable Wobbuffet and her Mimikyu, a recent but important ally. Additionally, she's to be commended for her resilience, considering she has not given up her goal of snatching that electric creature for over twenty years.

Where To Find Jessie

While often only mentioned for her appearance in the anime, Jessie does appear as a named character in some of the franchise's games. She, James, and Meowth appear in Pokemon: Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee multiple times with quite a few lines of dialogue.

Quote From Jessie In Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee!

"You’re just a twerp. Why are you so strong? ...Is it because of that Pikachu (or Eevee)? You can probably go all out because you’re with that Pokemon."

After being defeated on Route 17, Jessie will speak the above line of dialogue, signifying that she can tell that the player has great potential and strength; it takes another trainer of power to notice such traits in others.

Jessie's Let's Go Pikachu! & Let's Go Eevee Team! (With James In A Double Battle):

11 Acerola

Pokemon Sun & Moon

About Acerola

This little child may not look like a big deal, but she's one of the strongest female trainers in the Alolan region. One of the Elite Four for Generation VII and also a Trial Captain, Acerola poses a big threat to those who come unprepared. Those planning to fight her should bring some Full Restores! Considered by some to be the most dangerous trainer of Alola, she commands Powerful Ghost-type Pokemon. Some examples are Palossand, Froslass, and Dhelmise, all of which will cause trouble to beginners and pros alike if they don't take enough precautions.

Where To Find Acerola

In Pokemon Sun & Moon, as well as Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, Acerola is the 3rd member of the Elite Four that can be fought in the Alolan region.

Quote From Acerola In Pokemon Ultra Sun & Moon

"No matter how strong I am, I know that there are things I can't do... Places I can't reach and people I can't protect."

Showing a great deal more maturity than usual when spoken to in the Aether House after the player becomes Champion, Acerola acknowledges that not even Pokemon battling power can solve all problems, a rare indication of this fact in the main series games. Furthermore, such dialogue shows an inner strength that compliments Acerola's battle prowess.

Acerola's Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon Team:

10 Pokemon Trainer (Smash Ultimate)

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

About Pokemon Trainer

While this may come as a surprise, this female trainer very much deserves her spot near the top. This character is very popular within the Smash Bros community and is considered to be one of the strongest in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. Some players shun the character for its complexity since she has 3 Pokemon to choose from and can swap between them in real time. Her Squirtle is amazing at combos, Ivysaur has some of the best game-ending moves, and Charizard is a heavy (but still considerably fast) fighter with a very versatile set.

Where To Find Pokemon Trainer

Players can't really find this trainer, as they play as her instead. This is the player's form as they play certain games as a female character, such as in Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen.

Quote From Pokemon Trainer In Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen

"..."

As with most protagonists in this franchise, the Pokemon Trainer as the player is the strong, silent type. There is sometimes no need for words when actions speak loudly enough.

9 May

Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire

About May

As much as May from the Anime is a strong contender, this is about her appearance in the games Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, & Emerald. She fills the role of the rival for the main character, and no matter what starter players choose, she has a counter for each one. If she catches the player off-guard, they're going to have it tough.

Where To Find May

Despite being encountered many times in the games mentioned above, she's very much feared because of her encounter on Route 110. This battle, the second one against her, can be a challenge if the RNG isn't on the player's side. This is an infamous battle that players can even see many speedrunners ragequit to because of how unfair it is.

Quote From May In Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire

"While I was searching for other Pokemon, my Pokemon grew stronger. So… How about a little battle?"

​​​​​This line, spoken right before the battle on Route 110, indicates that May has not been slacking off and will begin battle with well-leveled pokemon that can cause many players issues if they accidentally bump into her before doing some Exp farming.

May's Pokemon OmegaRuby & AlphaSapphire Team:

8 Dawn

Pokemon Diamond & Pearl

About Dawn

This Sinnoh Region dreamer has grand aspirations with the hopes of becoming the best Pokemon Coordinator with the bonus wish of adding a Legendary Pokemon to her team. Dawn receives a significant amount of screen time in comparison to other Pokemon female characters and has the honor of stealing the spotlight (again) in the latest installment of The Arceus Chronicles (anime and game.)

Where to find Dawn

This particular female Pokemon trainer features in several games, including Pokemon: Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Masters EX, Battle Revolution, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus.

Quote From Dawn In Pokemon Masters EX

"I think it's great that we can tell each other what we want to do, even if it's a little selfish or it leads to an argument. If you can't do that, you can't let your friends know when they're doing something wrong."

Dawn is no stranger to making mistakes but prefers to look at these as opportunities to learn, as is thankful for the advice given by her friends. She had a rough start with Pokemon training but persevered with Ash and Brock's loyal support to spur her on.

Dawn's Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shinning Pearl Weekend Battles Team:

7 Honey

Pokemon Sword & Shield - The Isle of Armor DLC

About Honey

Married to Mustard, former champion of the Galar region, she's just as powerful as he is when players battle them. No wonder they decided to open up a dojo to train new gym challengers. Honey's team is incredibly strong and balanced, with something to counter almost every type. Additionally, her ace Pokemon can be a Gigantamax Venusaur or Blastoise, which can be a pain to take down with all Pokemon weakened from battle.

Where To Find Honey

Straight from the DLC for Pokemon Sword & Shield, Honey is the Matron of the Isle of Armor Dojo.

Quote From Honey In Pokemon Sword & Shield

"She quickly developed a talent for battle, and the rumor among dojo students is that she may even be on par with Mustard himself. Thanks to taking care of very powerful Pokemon at the dojo, Honey has also gained a lot of physical strength of her own. Now she can handle even powerful Pokemon, like Gallade."

While not a quote spoken by Honey, as she does not have any in-game dialogue, this is some text from her Rare League Card and explains how and why she is so strong.

Honey's Team In Pokemon Sword & Shield:

6 Whitney

Pokemon Gold & Silver

About Whitney

Despite only having a few Pokemon, her team is strong enough to stomp any challengers, and she's remarkably difficult to beat at this point in the Generation 2 games. Her Miltank is particularly tough, with a move that heals half its hit points and one that can deal massive damage if left unwatched. She's ended many Pokemon journeys because of how much of a challenge this Normal-Type Gym poses, and many question why she has to be so difficult to beat. All in all, only the best end up receiving her Plain Badge.

Where To Find Whitney

This fearsome female trainer makes her debut in Pokemon Gold & Silver as the Gym Leader of Goldenrod City.

Quote From Whitney In Pokemon Gold & Silver

"Everyone was into Pokemon, so I got into it too! Pokemon are super-cute! You want to battle? I'm warning you--I'm good!"

Despite this horribly misleading bit of dialogue that implies Whitney has no idea what she is doing, she can devastate the player's whole team if they let her Miltank spool up their multi-turn Rollout attack. With such powerful tactics, it's clear her naive words are simply meant to trick the player into a false sense of security.

Whitney's Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Team:

5 Argenta

Pokemon Platinum

About Argenta

One of the least well-known characters here, she's the only trainer to sport the title "Hall Matron," and she deserves it. She has an array of over 200 Pokemon to choose from, making it impossible to ever be well-prepared for her battle. Argenta is one of those trainers players have to go through to actually prove their worth as a battler. Given how hard her fight is, people who've beaten her have all the bragging rights.

Where To Find Argenta

Argenta is the Frontier Brain in Sinnoh and Johto; however, players have to win 50 consecutive battles in the Battle Hall to even get the right to fight her, which is a considerable feat for anyone who's played Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver.

Quote From Argenta In Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver

"I imagine there were tense moments getting here with your chosen one. But understand that one shines the brightest when a challenge is overcome. I am Argenta, and I am your final and most daunting challenge."

As arguably some of the best 'boss dialogue' in a Pokemon game, these lines make it clear that Argenta is not messing around. She intends to push the player to their limits or break them in the process.

4 Bea

Pokemon Sword

About Bea

Bea is also known as the "Galar Karate Prodigy" by many. In one of the shorts for the new Pokemon miniseries Twilight Wings, Bea can be seen training alongside her Machop, Machoke, and Machamp, all extremely fit Pokemon able to lift boulders and punch through mountains. Despite this, Bea can be seen outperforming them and even taking hits from Machamp like it was nothing. It truly takes extreme dedication to hone her body and mind to that extent.

Where To Find Bea

She may not look very flamboyant, but the Leader of the Stow-on-Side Stadium is one of the most powerful in the Galarian gym challenge. Players can find her in her hometown gym for a Fighting-type fray.

Quote From Bea in Pokemon Sword (Does Not Appear In Pokemon Shield)

"Do you have an unshakable spirit that won’t be moved, no matter how you are attacked? I think I’ll just test that out, shall I?"

Bold and unflinching, Bea will come at the player without any hesitation whatsoever. She knows how powerful she is and is clearly aching to demonstrate it whenever possible.

Bea's rivalry with Ash is revitalized in Pokemon Journeys during the World Coronation Series as both trainers fight their way to the top while Bea attempts to maintain a firm grip on her #30 position.

Bea's Pokemon Sword Team: