Episode Four: Swoopes, Sues and Shots aka Basketball
1892 Women’s Basketball On The Scene
Senda Berenson founded women’s basketball at Smith College in 1892
Women’s basketball began as a three-zone game to maintain women’s Victorian ideals by limiting movement. It wasn’t until 1971 that women were considered hearty enough to play full court basketball.
The Red Heads were a team of female basketball players who toured the country in 1936 playing exhibitions against men’s teams.
WE GOT NEXT: THE WNBA and Modern Basketball
The 1996 Olympic US Women’s Basketball Team wins gold and ignites national interest in women’s basketball
Sheryl Swoopes was the first woman to have a signature shoe, the Nike Air Swoopes, released right before the 1996 Olympics.
Sports Illustrated looks back at the Air Swoopes 25 years later
The players of the 1996 Gold Medal Team
Lisa Leslie
Teresa Edwards
Ruthie Bolton
Dawn Staley
Rebecca Lobo
Katrina McClain
Jennifer Azzi
In June, 1997 Lisa Leslie and Kym Hampton took the ceremonial jump ball marking the official start of the WNBA.
The personalities of WNBA players shone and captured the excitement of fans. Below are some of the players who have left their mark on the WNBA or are still creating waves.
Becky Hammon
Tina Thompson
Debbie Black
Deanna Nolan
Elena Delle Donne
Lauren Jackson
Ticha Penicheiro
Sue Bird
Tamika Catchings
Yolanda Griffith
College Ball Power Houses
UConn Huskies
Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird
Breanna Stewart
Maya Moore
Oregon Ducks
Satou Sabally
Ruthy Hebard
Sabrina Ionescu
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Kayla McBride
Arike Ogunbowale
Ruth Riley
Baylor Bears
Brittney Griner
Tennessee Lady Vols
Candace Parker
The first women’s NCAA dunk
Chamique Holdsclaw
Tamika Catchings
