The Forgotten Pioneers: How Women’s Basketball History is Being Rewritten
Cardie Hicks, a name largely absent from mainstream basketball narratives, embodies a generation of athletes whose contributions were overshadowed by systemic barriers. Her story, recently resurfaced through reporting and a reunion of the San Francisco Pioneers, highlights a critical need to re-examine the history of women’s basketball and acknowledge the pioneers who paved the way for today’s WNBA stars.
A Legacy Lost: The WBL and the Erasure of Talent
The Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL), existing from 1978 to 1981, was a groundbreaking yet short-lived attempt to establish a sustainable professional league for women. Hicks excelled during this period, showcasing a remarkable athleticism – reportedly a 40-inch vertical leap and a near-dunk in the 1981 All-Star Game – that captivated audiences. But, the league’s abrupt collapse left many talented players, particularly women of color, with limited opportunities and fading recognition.
Beyond the Dunk: Hicks’s Unconventional Path
Hicks’s journey wasn’t solely defined by athletic prowess. She navigated the challenges of being an openly queer African-American woman in a conservative era, demonstrating confidence and self-acceptance that was ahead of its time. Her time at Long Beach State and later Cal State Northridge was marked by both athletic success and a growing awareness of the systemic obstacles she faced. She was known for her charisma and willingness to challenge norms, even singing the national anthem a cappella before a game during her first season with the Pioneers.
Europe as a Sanctuary and a Stage
Following the WBL’s demise, Hicks, like many of her peers, found opportunities to continue her career in Europe. She spent 13 years playing professionally in the Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden, becoming a celebrated player in Oud-Beijerland, Netherlands, where she led her team to a Dutch championship in 1979. This period offered both acceptance and a platform to showcase her skills, but also a sense of isolation and displacement.
The WNBA’s Reckoning: Honoring the Past
The recent reunion of the San Francisco Pioneers, hosted by the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries, signifies a growing effort to acknowledge the league’s forgotten history. The invitation extended to the Pioneers, and the public honoring of their contributions, represents a crucial step towards rectifying past oversights. Players like Cardie Hicks, Roberta Williams, and Molly Kazmer are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
The Racial Divide in Early Women’s Basketball
The narrative of early women’s basketball often centered on white players like Ann Meyers and Nancy Lieberman. Hicks’s experience, and the experiences of other Black athletes, reveal a more complex reality. The emphasis on a specific image of the “marketable” player, coupled with systemic racism, limited opportunities for Black athletes and marginalized their contributions. The Olympic trials in 1976, where Hicks was named an alternate, underscore this disparity.
The Importance of Storytelling and Preservation
The story of Cardie Hicks, and countless others like her, highlights the importance of preserving the history of women’s basketball. Players themselves have often served as the primary custodians of these narratives, passing down stories and memories across generations. Scholars and journalists are now working to amplify these voices and create a more complete and accurate historical record.
FAQ
Q: What was Cardie Hicks’s vertical leap?
A: Reports indicate Hicks had a vertical leap of up to 40 inches.
Q: Did Cardie Hicks ever dunk in a professional game?
A: While a definitive answer is elusive, numerous accounts suggest she dunked in games while playing in the Netherlands.
Q: What was the WBL?
A: The Women’s Professional Basketball League was the first professional women’s basketball league in the United States, operating from 1978-1981.
Q: Why is it important to remember the WBL?
A: Remembering the WBL acknowledges the sacrifices and contributions of the players who paved the way for the WNBA and highlights the challenges they faced.
What are your thoughts on the importance of recognizing the history of women’s basketball? Share your comments below!
