Kiersten Robbins

The Rise of College Women’s Basketball: A Player’s Perspective

As a basketball player, I’ve always looked up to the athletes who have paved the way in the sport. Over the past few years, the rising popularity of college women’s basketball has inspired countless players like me and my teammates, both on and off the court. Watching athletes like Caitlin Clark of Iowa and Angel Reese of LSU dominate the NCAA has reshaped how we view the game and ourselves as players.

This surge in popularity is no coincidence. The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2023 broke viewership records, with the championship game between LSU and Iowa drawing an average of 9.9 million viewers, making it the most-watched NCAA women’s basketball game ever. This growth signifies a cultural shift, where women’s sports are finally getting the attention and respect they deserve. 

Learning from the Stars: My Teammates’ Perspectives

To understand how this cultural phenomenon has impacted players at our level, I spoke with two of my teammates.

Teammate 1: The Role Model Effect

“When I watch players like Angel Reese, I see so much confidence,” said Marina, our team’s forward. “It’s not just about their skills, but how they carry themselves on and off the court. Watching them reminds me that I can be strong and unapologetic in pursuing my goals.”

Marina shared how she’s incorporated some of her favorite players’ techniques into her own game. “Angel’s rebounding skills are incredible. I’ve been studying how she positions herself under the basket, and it’s helped me improve my rebounding stats this season.”

Teammate 2: A Game-Changer for Visibility

“For me, it’s about representation,” said Emma, our point guard. “Growing up, I didn’t see many women’s games on TV. Now, with players like Caitlin Clark breaking records, it feels like the sport is being taken seriously.”

Emma also pointed out how social media plays a huge role in the game’s visibility. “Highlights of Caitlin hitting those deep threes go viral all the time. It’s motivating to see people excited about women’s basketball and talking about it online.”

The Next Generation of Players

The growing popularity of women’s college basketball has a ripple effect on players like us. It pushes us to work harder, dream bigger, and believe that we can make an impact in the sport. It’s not just about the game anymore, it’s about being part of a movement that’s changing how the world sees women athletes.

As young players, we’re also inspired by the opportunities collegiate athletes now have with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. These allow athletes to profit from their brand and further the sport’s visibility (NIL and Women’s Basketball). It’s exciting to think about how much further the sport will grow in the next decade.

Whether it’s on the court or in the stands, women’s basketball is finally getting its moment—and we’re ready to be part of that legacy.