It is widely acknowledged that rural America has a profound affection for basketball, and in Iowa, it is ingrained in the way of life. In a recent expert opinion piece by Art Cullen, editor of the Storm Lake Times Pilot, an insightful exploration of the history of women’s basketball in the rural heartland is presented. With the upcoming NCAA women’s basketball championship game on Sunday, national attention will be focused on a sport that has thrived in the Midwest for over a century. In Iowa, the Iowa State Fair in the summer and the girls’ basketball and boys’ “rassling” tournaments in the winter are the major cultural events of the year.
It is truly intriguing to delve into the pioneering women who have left an indelible mark on the history of girls’ basketball in Iowa. For instance, Denise Long of Whitten achieved an astounding 6,250 points in four years of high school six-girl basketball before the rules underwent change in the 1970s. Prior to that, Iowa girls played with three guards on defense, three forwards on offense, and were restricted to two dribbles per possession. The unconventional rules resulted in entertainingly high-scoring games that captivated fans. Moments like Long scoring 93 points in a 1968 girls state tourney game have solidified the tradition of women’s basketball as a celebrated facet of rural Iowa.
The rich history of women’s sports in the Midwest has produced remarkable female athletes in Iowa. A standout example is Caitlin Clark of West Des Moines Dowling, who carved out a name for herself early in her career. Despite Iowa’s predominantly rural landscape, the attention dedicated to women’s sports has always been fervent. Even former college coach, Lisa Bluder, ascended to household name status in the state, leading the Drake University Bulldogs to national prominence.
What is particularly remarkable is the transition from six-girl high school sports to five-girl teams in the 1990s, and the unwavering dedication to the sport. Currently, even wrestling has gained traction among farm girls in the small schools. It is evident that rural girls in Iowa possess a unique determination and skill level that is unparalleled.
Beyond the realm of sports, Iowa has also cultivated remarkable female leaders, demonstrating that rural girls have the potential to excel in all arenas. From Governor Kim Reynolds to U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, these women have illustrated that rural roots can nurture incredible talent and success. The state has held a strong affinity for girls’ sports for at least a century, and its female athletes have made breakthroughs in a variety of fields, from sports to politics.
In summary, the captivating history of women’s sports in rural Iowa serves as a testimony to the strength, skill, and resilience of farm girls. Despite hailing from small towns, these remarkable athletes and leaders have proven themselves time and again. It is evident that rural Iowa has been leaving a lasting impact in basketball and wrestling for generations, and the unwavering dedication of these women to their craft is truly something to commemorate.