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Women's Tennis added to Wimbledon
In 1884, Women's Singles Tennis was finally added to the lineup at Wimbledon. When first created there were thirteen entries. Out of the 13 players Maud Watson became the first ever to win the newly created event. -
Women allowed to participate in Olympics
Up until the 1900 Olympics women were not allowed to particapte in the Olympics or even allowed to watch. During the 1900 Olympics women were allowed to participate in tennis, croquet and golf. Charlotte Cooper was the first woman to win an Olympic medal in the women's singles tennis. -
National Women's Athletic Association formed
The National Women's Athletic Association was founded in 1921. It aim is to promote women's participation in all sports. As a part of the organization they offer scholarships to those participating in sports who may not receive an athletic scholarship. -
Battle of the Sexes
In 1973 Billie Jean King was challenged by Bobby Riggs to a battle of the sexes tennis match at first she rejected to playing against him. Riggs then extended his offer to Court whom lost to him. King then accepted his offer to play because she thought not winning against Riggs would set women back after all they tried to accomplish. Her win against Riggs should naysayers that women were capable of keeping up with their male counterparts. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmQmEdqw50A -
First Female in Boston Marathon
Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon although women were not allowed to enter the race because of fear that running long distances would make them manly and cauuse defects in their reproductive systems. One of the officially tried to drag her out of the race telling her women were not allowed and she made her mission to finish the race. Video: http://www.5min.com/Video/Kathrine-Switzer-First-Woman-to-Enter-the-Boston-Marathon-517280189 -
Title IX
In 1972, Title IX, a part of the Educational Amendement was signed into law. This new amendment would promote gender equity and allow girls and women equal access to sports and physical education oppotunites. Title IX became known as the women's movement since it would allow the females the same opportunites in the fitness world as those previously only given to males. -
First Woman Drafted by NBA
In 1977 during the seventh round of the NBA draft, New Orleans basketball team, the Jazz, drafted female Lusia Harris to be apart of their team. Harris was a center at Delta State University, she never played for the Jazz because she thought it was a joke and shee was pregnant at the time. She is a three-time All American at Delta State,Four-time All-State, All-Region, team MVP and team high scorer. -
Amateur Sports Act of 1978
The Amateur Sports Act of 1978 was signed by President Jimmy Carter in response to criticism about the Amateur Athletic Union which banned women from participate in running events. The Act establishedd a United States Olympic commitee and legal protection for individual athletes. The act also prohibited gender discrimination in open amateur sports and money more available to women and minorities. -
Betty Ellis Officiates
In 1981 Betty Ellis became the first woman to officiate a professional soccer match in the game between the Timbers and Boomers. A position normally held by men, she was the first in her field to do such a thing. During her first match she made a bad call but since then she has improved thereby opening a pathway for other females . -
First Female in NBA Hall of Fame
In 1992 Nera White was the first female to be inducted in to the National Basketball Association Hall of Fame. She was also inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Since her induction a few other females have had the honor to be inducted in to the NBA Hall of Fame. -
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
On June 5th 1999 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame was opened. This is first Hall of Fame dedicated to any women's sports. This Hall of Fame just like the NBA Hall of Fame inducts anyone associated with basketball such as coaches, players and teams.
