I am excited that Indiana University is planning to honor my 1973 basketball teammates and me for advancing farther than any IU women's basketball team has advanced in tournament history. We made it to the Final Four that year----my senior season. A banner will be raised in Assembly Hall on January 19, 2014 recognizing our achievement. Forty years of waiting to finally be acknowledged! Were we pioneers in women's basketball? Some say "yes" since we had no scholarships, media guides, locker rooms, newspaper coverage, All-American awards, full-time coaches, or professional contracts. We washed our own uniforms, bought our own shoes, and packed our own sandwiches for the long van ride to play an opponent. We played for the pure joy of the game. My thought is that the women in this great photograph were the REAL pioneers for women's basketball. Smartly dressed with their matching hair bows, caps, bow ties, and tights, they look determined to take on any opponent. No doubt they were looked at oddly by their peers. Why would girls want to sweat and compete? I say...."You go girls!" And thanks for being the true pioneers!
4 Comments
Susan Roth
1/13/2014 03:00:00 am
Thanks Debbie for capturing what so many of us have experienced!
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1/15/2014 04:07:38 am
Thank you Susan for your comment. Yes, we've come a long way baby! My hope is to have the book out by March Madness. Check back periodically to my website for the latest updated news and release date.
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Cheryl Feeney
1/22/2014 10:20:10 am
Loved the book-memoirs-as it paralleled my experiences in the early 70's in Indiana...we played for the great opportunity of competition and our passion for basketball and sports. Not one day do I remember anyone taking these experiences for granted. This book is a true example of what the author went through, and the commitment that was evident in the 70's of female student-athletes. Bravo!!!
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