Girls basketball is a sport that has grown tremendously in popularity over the past few decades. Here are some in-depth statistics and information related to girls basketball:
- Participation: Girls basketball is a widely played sport, with hundreds of thousands of girls participating each year. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, girls basketball is the third most popular high school sport for girls in the United States, behind track and field and volleyball. In the 2019-2020 school year, over 405,000 girls participated in high school basketball.
- Professional leagues: In the United States, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is the top professional league for women’s basketball. The league was established in 1996 and features 12 teams from across the country. The WNBA season typically runs from May to September, with playoffs and a championship series determining the winner.
- College scholarships: Girls basketball players have the opportunity to earn college scholarships to play at the collegiate level. According to the NCAA, there are over 1,000 women’s college basketball programs in the United States, offering scholarships to talented players. In addition to athletic scholarships, girls basketball players may also be eligible for academic scholarships or financial aid.
- Olympic sport: Women’s basketball has been a part of the Olympic Games since 1976. The United States women’s national basketball team has won gold at every Olympics since 1996, except for the 2008 Olympics where they won bronze. Women’s basketball is also a popular sport at the collegiate level, with the annual NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament drawing large crowds and national attention.
Women have made significant contributions to the sport, breaking barriers, and setting new records. From Lisa Leslie to Candace Parker, female basketball players have left an indelible mark on the game.
- Lisa Leslie
Lisa Leslie is widely considered one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. She was a three-time WNBA MVP, two-time WNBA champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and an eight-time All-Star. Leslie was known for her versatile game, scoring, rebounding, and blocking shots. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
- Cheryl Miller
Cheryl Miller was a dominant force on the basketball court during her playing days in the 1980s. She was a four-time All-American at USC and won two Olympic gold medals with the US Women’s basketball team. Miller was known for her scoring ability, averaging 23.6 points per game in her college career. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995.
- Candace Parker
Candace Parker is one of the best players in the WNBA today. She is a two-time MVP, two-time WNBA champion, and six-time All-Star. Parker is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the US Women’s basketball team. She is known for her all-around game, scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. Parker is also the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game.
- Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi is one of the most accomplished women’s basketball players of all time. She is a three-time WNBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a seven-time All-Star. Taurasi is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and has won numerous individual awards throughout her career. She is known for her scoring ability and clutch performances in big games.
- Maya Moore
Maya Moore is another great women’s basketball player who has made a significant impact on the game. She is a four-time WNBA champion, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a six-time All-Star. Moore is known for her scoring ability and clutch performances in big games. She has also been a strong advocate for social justice and has taken a break from basketball to focus on criminal justice reform.
- Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Swoopes was a dominant force in the WNBA during her playing days in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She won four WNBA championships, three WNBA MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals with the US Women’s basketball team. Swoopes was known for her scoring ability and all-around game, including defense and rebounding.
- Sue Bird
Sue Bird is one of the best point guards in WNBA history. She is a four-time WNBA champion, an eleven-time All-Star, and a four-time Olympic gold medalist. Bird is known for her playmaking ability, including her passing and ball-handling skills. She is also a strong leader on and off the court, serving as a voice for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon is a former WNBA player who made history as the first woman to coach in the NBA. She is currently an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs. Hammon was a six-time WNBA All-Star and won a WNBA championship with the San Antonio Silver Stars. She is known for her scoring ability and leadership skills on the court