My first encounter with the emotional depth of sports writing occurred during my seventh grade year. UConn had just completed a remarkable season, finishing with an impeccable 39-0 record and capturing its third national championship in eight years. The anticipation for the latest issue of Sports Illustrated was palpable.
When the magazine finally arrived, I was greeted on the cover by Maryland’s Juan Dixon, while the bold headline of the April 8, 2002 issue declared: “The AWESOME WOMEN of UConn, Pg. 44.” I eagerly skipped the typical “Faces in the Crowd” section, which often highlighted female athletes, and focused on the article featuring UConn’s senior players: Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Asjha Jones and Tamika Williams The piece beautifully captured their lives off the field, detailing their shared home, family-style dinners, lively card games and emotional moments leading up to senior night detail, feeling a connection with their journey.
Years later, those memories still resonate, especially since my fandom for women’s college basketball in the 1990s and early 2000s was marked by a lack of media coverage for some of the sport’s most eye-catching teams and players. Such experiences remain indelibly imprinted in the memory, lasting for decades.
After revisiting the UConn feature, I turned to my favorite column: “Reilly’s Life.” The title caught my attention: “Out of touch with my feminine side.” In this article, Rick Reilly humorously addressed the challenges of coaching at the Final Four, comparing them to his experiences coaching seventh grade girls. While her comedic approach was funny, it seemed dismissive, especially considering the powerful narrative surrounding UConn’s elite women. The conflicting perspectives were frustrating and, unfortunately, predictable.
Female athletes and their supporters have historically faced numerous challenges resulting from inadequate investment and institutional support. This cycle of neglect has hindered the growth of women’s sports, creating a paradox that stifles its potential.
This year, the Caitlin Clark Effect has revitalized the WNBA, posting record attendance and television viewership. As the women’s college basketball season begins, interest remains high, despite the absence of some notable stars who have significantly elevated the sport.
Defending champion South Carolina achieved a notable milestone by selling its entire season ticket package for the first time. UConn also celebrated its accomplishment, selling out season tickets for the first time since 2004. Other programs like LSU and Iowa are seeing similar success, with schools like Texas, Notre Dame and Tennessee reporting substantial increases in ticket sales.
As excitement builds for the upcoming national championship game, tickets to the Final Four are already sold out, with resale prices rising: nose-to-nose seats near $200 and courtside seats near $3,000.
Dawn Staley, a leading figure in women’s basketball, has a remarkable legacy filled with Final Four appearances, national championships and Olympic gold medals. His office in South Carolina is adorned with memorabilia that tells the story of his journey. However, the current moment feels transformative. “It feels like we are free to explore where this game can go,” he noted, highlighting the endless opportunities for growth in the sport.
Staley spoke openly about the historical barriers women have faced in sports, from the pre-Title IX era to the NCAA’s focus on men’s basketball. The lack of media visibility has only exacerbated these problems, with many media outlets downplaying women’s sports and then using low attendance numbers as justification for limited coverage.
Recent developments suggest a shift in this narrative. Last season, viewership of the women’s national championship exceeded that of the men’s championship by nearly 4 million, in stark contrast to a 2020 report that highlighted the NCAA’s failure to adequately represent women’s sports.
“This,” Staley said, gesturing to the changes around her, “I never thought there would come a time where I could be a part of it.”
A sense of cautious optimism permeates the women’s basketball community as the new season unfolds. Many hope that this moment could serve as a turning point for the sport, where the barriers that have historically limited its growth begin to dissolve.
Tara VanDerveer, a veteran coach, has seen similar pivotal moments throughout her illustrious career. He remembers the excitement of a big game in 1985, where 22,000 fans filled the arena for an Iowa-Ohio State matchup. Unfortunately, that moment did not lead to sustained growth in attendance or support. Over the course of her career, which began with modest roles as a team bus driver and laundry worker, she has witnessed how inconsistent investment and enthusiasm have stifled the sport’s potential.
“We needed to build on this, not make it an isolated case,” VanDerveer emphasized. “We must continue to grow the game by fostering excitement at all levels, from high school tournaments to college competitions. There is palpable enthusiasm for the WNBA.”
This season, the momentum appears to favor women’s basketball. Talented players like Caitlin Clark, USC’s JuJu Watkins and UConn’s Paige Bueckers are poised to keep the spotlight on the sport. Meanwhile, name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities have transformed marketing and player engagement, while the transfer portal has democratized competition, allowing numerous teams to compete for a spot in the Final Four.
As the season progresses, we have already seen intense competition between the leading teams. The allure of women’s basketball is undeniable, fueled not only by talent but also by newfound equality. The belief that any team can emerge victorious on any given night creates an exhilarating atmosphere for fans.
What we are seeing is a long overdue evolution in women’s college basketball. For too long, the sport has been relegated to secondary status within the NCAA, deserving far more recognition and investment. It’s time for the narrative to move from fleeting headlines and snide comments to a full celebration of the game. Stakeholders and decision makers must seize this moment and ensure growth continues.
A new generation of seventh graders are watching, and they deserve to experience the full potential of women’s college basketball.