The evolution of women’s college basketball

My initial encounter with the emotional impact of sports writing occurred during my seventh-grade year. UConn had just completed an incredible season, achieving a perfect 39-0 record and securing its third national championship in eight years. I eagerly awaited the arrival of Sports Illustrated.

When the magazine finally landed in my mailbox, I was greeted by Maryland’s Juan Dixon on the cover, while the top of the April 8, 2002 issue boldly proclaimed: “The AMAZING WOMEN of UConn, Pg. 44.”

I quickly bypassed the usual “Faces in the Crowd” section, which, in 2002, often featured female athletes, and dove into the article about UConn’s close-knit senior players: Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Asjha Jones, and Tamika Williams. The piece described their lives off the court—sharing an off-campus home, cooking family-style dinners, engaging in spirited card games, and competing to see who would shed tears first on senior night. I absorbed every detail.

Years later, those memories lingered, especially since, as a fan of women’s college basketball during the ’90s and early 2000s, there was limited media coverage of the most compelling teams and their players. Such experiences become etched in your memory, sometimes for decades.

After revisiting the UConn feature, I turned to my favorite column: “Reilly’s Life.” The title caught my eye: “Out of touch with my feminine side.”

In this piece, columnist Rick Reilly questioned the challenges of coaching at the Final Four, contrasting it with his experience coaching seventh-grade girls. His humorous take on the difficulties of managing young athletes felt dismissive, especially in light of the powerful narrative surrounding UConn’s elite women. The juxtaposition was frustrating and, at the time, all too predictable.

Historically, female athletes and their supporters have faced numerous obstacles, often stemming from a lack of investment and institutional support. This cycle of neglect has hindered the growth of women’s sports, creating a paradox that has stifled potential.

This year, the “Caitlin Clark effect” has energized the WNBA, drawing unprecedented crowds and television ratings. As the women’s college basketball season kicks off, interest remains high, even in the absence of some standout stars who have helped elevate the sport.

Defending champion South Carolina achieved a significant milestone by selling out its season ticket packages for the first time ever. UConn also marked a notable achievement, selling out its season tickets for the first time since 2004. Other programs like LSU and Iowa are reporting similar successes, with Texas, Notre Dame, and Tennessee experiencing significant increases in ticket sales.

As anticipation builds for the national championship game, Final Four tickets are already sold out, with resale prices soaring—nosebleed seats nearing $200 and courtside seats approaching $3,000.

Dawn Staley stands as a remarkable figure in women’s basketball, boasting a legacy filled with Final Four appearances, national championships, and Olympic gold medals. Her office in South Carolina is adorned with memorabilia that reflects her journey. Yet, the current moment feels uniquely transformative. “It feels like we’re free to explore where this game can go,” she remarked, emphasizing the limitless potential for growth in the sport.

Staley has been vocal about the historical barriers faced by women in sports, from the pre-Title IX exclusion to the NCAA’s prioritization of men’s basketball. The lack of media coverage has compounded these challenges, as outlets often downplayed women’s sports and then cited low viewership as a reason for their limited exposure.

Recent developments have begun to shift this narrative. Last season, the women’s national championship drew nearly 4 million more viewers than the men’s game, a stark contrast to a 2020 report that highlighted the NCAA’s underrepresentation of women’s sports.

“This,” Staley said, gesturing widely at the changes, “I never thought it would come to a time where I could be a part of it.”

There is a cautious optimism among those connected to women’s basketball as the new season unfolds. Many wonder if this could be the pivotal moment for the sport, a time when the barriers that have historically held it back will finally recede.

Tara VanDerveer, a seasoned coach, has witnessed similar moments throughout her storied career. She recalls the excitement generated by a significant game in 1985, where 22,000 fans attended an Iowa-Ohio State matchup. Unfortunately, that event did not lead to sustained growth in attendance or support. Over her lengthy career, which began with humble duties as a team bus driver and laundry attendant, she has seen the potential for growth stifled by inconsistent investment and enthusiasm.

“We needed to build on this, not make it a one-off,” VanDerveer emphasized. “We must continue to grow the game, fostering excitement at every level, from high school tournaments to college matchups. There is a palpable excitement for the WNBA.”

This season, the momentum appears to be in favor of 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, while NIL opportunities have revolutionized player marketing and engagement. The transfer portal has also democratized competition, making it possible for numerous teams to vie for the Final Four.

As the season progresses, we’ve already witnessed tight competition among the top teams. The appeal of women’s basketball is undeniable, fueled by not just talent but also newfound parity. This belief that any team can triumph on any given night creates an exciting atmosphere for fans.

What’s unfolding now is a long-overdue evolution in women’s college basketball. For too long, the sport has been relegated to a secondary status within the NCAA, deserving far more attention and investment. It’s time for the narrative to shift from brief headlines and dismissive commentary to a full celebration of the game. The stakeholders and decision-makers must embrace this moment and ensure that the growth continues.

There’s a new generation of seventh graders watching, and they deserve to witness the full potential of women’s college basketball.