NEW YEAR MEANS MORE HISTORY TO MAKE AND MORE BARRIERS TO BREAK
January provides each of us with an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve already achieved. The new year allows us to look ahead and reflect on what we hope to achieve during the upcoming one— even at the cost of adversity.
Within the first month of the new year, South Carolina beat LSU 76-70. This win in particular was not just a win for South Carolina, but for women everywhere.
The game between the two teams kept 1.5 million people on the age of their seat. This made the NCAA Division Ⅰ women’s basketball game the most watched sports game of the day including games at the professional level.
Dawn Staley, South Carolina’s head coach, discussed the increase in attendance during a press conference shortly after the win.
“The energy in the building was great,” said Staley.
Staley also mentioned her deep appreciation for fans who similarly find joy in women’s basketball, specifically at the college level.
“It’s not going anywhere, it’s only going to get bigger,” said Staley.
Since the rise in eyes on women’s basketball, it’s important we all stay prepped and ready for what’s to come within the next few months before March Madness.
Athletes at the college level have worked their entire lives to play for their university.
Most athletes started their sport when they were little kids—some of them playing as soon as they learned how to walk!
Now that there is a more coverage on women’s sports, it’s clear that women athletes dedicate an admirable amount of time to reap the benefits of their hard work.
Aside from the South Carolina vs. LSU game that drew millions of eyes, one athlete in particular is turning heads left and right.
Her name is Caitlin Clark.
She plays for Iowa.
She is expected to break the current scoring record that is currently held by Kelsey Plum.
UPDATE: Caitlin Clark made history when she broke the NCAA women’s basketball scoring record against Michigan in February.
FLASH TO THE PAST
Women’s March Madness has evolved immensely over the years. While disparities between the men’s tournament and women’s tournament still exist, there was a time when it was much worse— happening not as long ago as you may think…
Attached below is a video that is heavily inspired by the animated story, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. It highlights the challenges that women athletes faced during March Madness and shows how the NCAA handled the situation and resolved the matter.