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Women get a swing at America's Favorite Passtime
While the men were off fighting during WWII, women took on the responsibility of taking care of things at home, and sports was no different. In 1943 the All American Girl Professional Baseball League was established. The leagued started in 4 cities in the US, with most of the games taking place at Wrigley Stadium. The league was a major success, generating major revenues and fans, but only lasted 7 years. -
Breaking Barriers and Breaking Records
Known as the female "Jackie Robinson", Gibson broke color barriers not only for women, but Africans Americans too. In 1950, Althea Gibson was the first black professional tenis player ever. In 1952 she won her first Wimbledon, and continued to set the foundation for future players, like the Williams sisters. -
Wilma Rudolph Scores Big in Rome
In the summer of 1960, Wilma Rudolph was the first woman in history to win three gold medals in a single Olympic game. With that accomplishment, Rudolph not on became a pioneer for women in sports, but African Americans as well. That summer in Rome, Rudolph was the first black woman, in sports to gain national recognition. -
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Title IX passed
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Title IX
Title IX video Title IX was passed after the many out cries for gender equity as it relates to sports. The law states, "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance..."
—United States Code Section 20 -
Ironman Julie Moss
In the winter of 1982 at the Ironman Triathlon, the world watch as a 20 something Julie Moss fell to the ground, within three miles of the finishline, with severe dehydration. According to anyone watching, she was down for the count, but the determined Moss crawled to the finish line. Not only was it a major accomplishment for her to push her body to the brinks and succeed. Moss also showed the world that women are just as competitive as men. -
The WNBA Debuts
Recap of WNBA History In the Spring of 1996, America welcomed the WNBA to the world signing their first player Sherly Swoops. The industry began with humble beginnings with only four players to each of the eight teams, to 10 teams with more than 140 players. Even during this years NBA and NFL lock outs the WNBA continues to thrive. -
A Magnificant Seven
Dominique Dawes first struck gold in 1992, becoming the first black female to win a gold medal in the winter games. Although her team only made bronze in the Winter Games, her presence was felt. In the 1996 summer Olympics the American Female gymnist team took the Gold Medal overall. Not only was a victory for America, but Dawes individually becoming the first African American Gyminst to win Gold overall. -
Serena Number 1 in the World
The Williams sisters came into the professional tennis scene in 1995, and since then Serena and her sister has dominated the tennis world. In 2002 Serena was named the number one woman in tennis, and has taken that title four more times since then. Serena has taken her success in the tennis industry, to be a powerhouse in the sports world overall. With her success she's gained national endorsements, video games, and other merchandise. -
Danica Dominates Nascar
Danica Patrick showed the world that women can hold their own in the male dominated Nascar industry, by becoming the first woman to win the Indy Car Race. Prior to her major accomplishments Danica began driving go carts at the age of 10, and drove in her first major race at the age of 16. She has numerous awards, and broken countless records before retiring in 2010.
