How Pre-WNBA Trailblazers Paved the Way for Stars Like Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Coach Kim Mulkey

In recent years, women’s basketball has taken center stage, with players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese making headlines. A standout moment came in 2023 when the LSU women’s team clinched the national championship, bringing excitement to fans, especially in Louisiana.

It’s fascinating to think about how this surge in attention will influence young girls who look up to these athletes. Watching the games, I see their eyes sparkle with dreams. It reminds me of my own childhood in Mississippi, where girls’ games always drew more fans. The atmosphere felt electric, like the whole town was rooting for our teams.

Basketball was my passion. I couldn’t wait to play at a higher level. But life took a turn when my family moved just before my junior year, to a place that didn’t value girls’ athletics as much. Thankfully, our new school hired a coach, Tesa Townsend Duckworth, who brought hope. She stood tall and had a stellar background, having played for Mississippi College and the Chicago Hustle, one of the first women’s professional basketball teams in the U.S.

Sadly, the league folded after just a few seasons, right as I began my journey with Coach Duckworth. Recently, she reached out to me to attend an LSU women’s game together, along with another former player, Becky Sinclair Green. I was thrilled to reunite, spending time chatting about basketball with someone who had influenced my love for the game. Now a grandmother, Duckworth shares stories of her past while still showing interest in the current landscape of women’s basketball.

At the game, the vibe was nostalgic. When LSU celebrated 50 years of women’s athletics, Duckworth and Green watched with pride as players from the 1970s took the court. Back then, Mississippi College was a powerhouse, even before athletic scholarships were allowed for women. The landscape has shifted dramatically since those days, with more support and recognition for female athletes.

During our discussions, we reflected on how the game has evolved, particularly how physical it has become and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Coach Duckworth felt a strong connection to today’s players, expressing that she once played at that high level too. Seeing today’s game brought back cherished memories for her.

At a recent Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame event, Duckworth and other former players were recognized as trailblazers for the WNBA. It’s essential to remember the pioneers of women’s sports, and Duckworth pointed out that while current stars like Caitlin Clark acknowledge those who paved the way, it’s crucial not to forget the players who laid the groundwork long before the spotlight shone on them.

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