Caitlin Clark has made history in women’s college basketball, but the sport’s earliest trailblazers still haven’t been given their dues.
In recent months, the name Caitlin Clark has been making headlines in the world of women’s college basketball. And rightfully so, as the 19-year-old has been dominating the court and breaking records left and right. But as we celebrate her achievements, it’s important to remember and recognize the women who paved the way for her and the countless other female athletes in the sport.
Before the likes of Caitlin Clark, there were women like Bertha Teague, Nera White, and Lusia Harris who were breaking barriers and making history in women’s college basketball. These trailblazers faced discrimination, unequal resources, and little recognition for their talents, yet they persevered and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Bertha Teague, also known as the “Mother of Oklahoma Basketball,” coached the Byng High School girls’ team to 20 state championships from 1919 to 1957. She was the first woman to be inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame in 1980, yet her contributions to the sport were largely forgotten for decades.
Nera White, a dominant center in the 1950s, led the Nashville Business College women’s basketball team to 10 national championships. She was also the first woman to receive the Naismith Award for the top collegiate basketball player in the country. Despite her impressive achievements, White was not inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame until 2012, more than 50 years after her retirement.
Lusia Harris, a 6’3″ center, made history in 1977 as the first woman drafted by the NBA’s New Orleans Jazz. She chose to decline the offer and instead continued to excel in the women’s game, leading the Delta State University team to three consecutive national championships. Harris was finally inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, but her accomplishments were long overlooked in the male-dominated world of basketball.
These are just a few examples of the pioneering women who helped shape the landscape of women’s college basketball. They faced numerous challenges and obstacles, yet they persisted and succeeded in a sport that was not initially designed for them. Their determination and talent deserve to be recognized and celebrated, just as we celebrate the achievements of Caitlin Clark and other present-day female athletes.
While we have come a long way in terms of gender equality in sports, there is still work to be done. Women’s college basketball still faces issues such as unequal resources, pay disparities, and lack of media coverage compared to men’s basketball. It’s time to give credit where credit is due and acknowledge the contributions of these early trailblazers.
Their stories also serve as a reminder of the importance of representation in sports. When young girls see successful and talented female athletes, it inspires them to dream big and pursue their own athletic goals. Caitlin Clark herself has acknowledged the impact of these women, stating in an interview, “I think that’s really amazing, and I wouldn’t be here today without those women paving the way.”
So as we celebrate Caitlin Clark’s historic accomplishments, let’s also take a moment to honor the women who came before her. Let’s give them the recognition they deserve and continue to push for gender equality in sports. Because without the perseverance and determination of these trailblazers, the world of women’s college basketball would not be where it is today.
In conclusion, Caitlin Clark’s success is a testament to the progress we have made in women’s college basketball. But let’s not forget the women who laid the foundation for her and continue to inspire future generations of female athletes. Let’s give credit to these unsung heroes and ensure that their names and legacies live on in the history of the sport.
