Whether your favorite sporting phrase is usually “Goal”, “Home Run”, or the favored, “Touchdown”, there is no doubt that this past year you have heard a lot more of “And One”, “Nothing But Net”, and definitely “Three!” The reason for this is the rise of female athletes and athletics, especially women’s college basketball.
In the past March Madness season some famous names have caused lots of commotion. LSU’s Angel Reese, Uconn’s Paige Bueckers, USC’s Juju Watkins, South Carolinas Kamilla Cardoso, and an internationally known name, a name that has changed the game of women’s basketball forever, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. In the past season these female play-makers, among many others, have broken records that have been held for decades, created stats that match the men’s league, and sold out not only gameday arenas but open practice arenas as well.
“As a former athlete, I’ve seen the change from the early 2000s to what women’s athletics has become today, and it’s all very exciting. Knowing how competitive women’s sports can be, it’s amazing to see what this recruiting class has done for women’s sports including basketball,” said Wheeling Park High School teacher Kristen Wheeler, a former athlete and coach.
This year’s viewership to the 2024 women’s college basketball championship game went up 90% compared to 2023, and 288% compared to the 2022 audience. One of the prime reasons for this climb is the adored and highly watched, Kaitlin Clark. This female trailblazer has broken a long list of records including becoming the first Division 1 college basketball player to have 3,000+ points, 900+ assists, and 800+ rebounds of any woman or man. She also managed to be the number one overall selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
During an April 15th CNN interview, former American Tennis Player, Serena Williams stated, “I think women’s sports is having a moment that it should’ve always had.”
Not only are we seeing changes at the national level, but also right here in our hometown.
“Wheeling Park is filled with an abundance of star athletes and it’s truly amazing to watch. Many young girls in wheeling look up to the female athletes here at Park who have made young girl’s dreams seem more attainable now,” said Wheeler.
One of many athletic leaders at Park is Junior Anna Brannare.
“As a female hockey player, I’ve played on teams with guys and girls my whole life. When I first started playing it was seen as something very different, but now it’s more normalized and people are starting to see that girls can be just as good as the guys and we can compete alongside them,” said Brannare.
As the interest in female athletics continues to climb, remember that women can do anything men can do. Watch as they continue to prove that every day, nationally and locally.
