Analysis: Ann Meyers
Ann Meyers changed the way that the game of basketball was played in so many ways. During the time that Ann Meyers was playing basketball, women were viewed almost equally to men. Men still treated women as their inferiors but women's sports had developed immensely. They had a Women's Basketball League which is the past's version of the WNBA today. Women still did not have their own tournament, nor did the NCAA support women's sports. However, in 1972 Title IX of the Education Amendments was passed, which stated that there should be no sexual discrimination in schools, but this mostly applied to sports. It stated the girls must have the same opportunity to play sports that guys do. In 1972 when this amendment was first passed, only 295,000 girls competed in sports compared to the over 3 million boys. Today that number has increased greatly to 3.2 million for girls and 4.5 million for boys. Today there is a lot more equality in sports because women are not afraid of being discriminated against in sports. Meyers was in college when this amendment was put into effect. But while she was in high school she could remember that in some states it was illegal for girls to play sports or even go to sporting events. If boys allowed girls to play on their team before Title IX was passed, they would only let the girl dribble twice and then they would have to pass it to the next person, they thought that women weren't able to handle to physical exertion it took to play sports.
Unfortunately, today there are still some of these stereotypes about women in sports today. For example, many guys insult each other by saying "You throw like a girl", this is used to offend their friends because men still believe that women are incapable of being better than them. However, the situation today is not as severe as it was back then. Meyers reflects on when Title IX was passed, she was glad it was passed and looking back now she can see the change but women still don't have as much respect. Meyers, is respected by so many today, but that is because she made so many accomplishments throughout her life. She is viewed as a powerhouse in the history of women's basketball, and she helped lead to the success of the road to attaining equality in sports. Meyers did not let what others say affect her, rather she used it to help lead her teammates to success. Meyers hoped that her courageousness and willingness to play with the guys would help lead people to want to follow in her footsteps and do what they love. Lynette Woodard was one of those individuals who followed in Meyers footsteps. Woodard was an All-American basketball player at Kansas University, and was asked to be a part of the Harlem Globetrotters (which was formally an all male group), she later told Meyers that Meyers gave her the courage to try-out for the team. Meyers was also the driving force behind forming the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) which was formed in 1997.
I chose to research Ann Meyers because I play basketball myself. I had heard my parents talk about her this summer when she was commentating during the London Olympics, and I didn't think much about it until I was researching for this project. Once I researched Meyers, I realized how great her accomplishments were. She didn't care what other people told her what she could and could not do, which I admire a lot. Researching Meyers also helped me to realize how lucky I am to have all of the opportunities in sports that I have. Before this I didn't realize that sports were so segregated and I didn't realize what Title IX really was. This helped me to realize that I should be grateful for all of the people who helped to get sports to where they are today especially Ann Meyers. Girls in sports today need to admire Meyers for all of her hard work and determination and effort in becoming the best they can be in what they do, and realize that things weren't always as easy for women in sports as they are today. I know I was one of those people that took advantage of my opportunities, but Ann Meyers has helped to open my eyes.
Unfortunately, today there are still some of these stereotypes about women in sports today. For example, many guys insult each other by saying "You throw like a girl", this is used to offend their friends because men still believe that women are incapable of being better than them. However, the situation today is not as severe as it was back then. Meyers reflects on when Title IX was passed, she was glad it was passed and looking back now she can see the change but women still don't have as much respect. Meyers, is respected by so many today, but that is because she made so many accomplishments throughout her life. She is viewed as a powerhouse in the history of women's basketball, and she helped lead to the success of the road to attaining equality in sports. Meyers did not let what others say affect her, rather she used it to help lead her teammates to success. Meyers hoped that her courageousness and willingness to play with the guys would help lead people to want to follow in her footsteps and do what they love. Lynette Woodard was one of those individuals who followed in Meyers footsteps. Woodard was an All-American basketball player at Kansas University, and was asked to be a part of the Harlem Globetrotters (which was formally an all male group), she later told Meyers that Meyers gave her the courage to try-out for the team. Meyers was also the driving force behind forming the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) which was formed in 1997.
I chose to research Ann Meyers because I play basketball myself. I had heard my parents talk about her this summer when she was commentating during the London Olympics, and I didn't think much about it until I was researching for this project. Once I researched Meyers, I realized how great her accomplishments were. She didn't care what other people told her what she could and could not do, which I admire a lot. Researching Meyers also helped me to realize how lucky I am to have all of the opportunities in sports that I have. Before this I didn't realize that sports were so segregated and I didn't realize what Title IX really was. This helped me to realize that I should be grateful for all of the people who helped to get sports to where they are today especially Ann Meyers. Girls in sports today need to admire Meyers for all of her hard work and determination and effort in becoming the best they can be in what they do, and realize that things weren't always as easy for women in sports as they are today. I know I was one of those people that took advantage of my opportunities, but Ann Meyers has helped to open my eyes.