The series stars Angela Goethals, Judith Light, and an uncredited (at his request) William Devane.

Fifteen-year-old Angela Doolan has the potential to be a sports superstar but worries about losing her normality and severing her family ties.

Both the producers and ABC refused to move Devane's billing, believing that Judith Light having sole first billing would draw in more of the female 18-49 demographic that is attractive to advertisers and would bring back ABC viewers who had made Light's previous series, Who's the Boss?, a success.

[3] Phenom's theme song, "The Promise and the Prize," was written and performed by Carly Simon.

U.S. Open women's singles and Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Tracy Austin served as the technical consultant for the series.