Women's basketball has evolved in recent years and become extremely popular, with prime-time television coverage, sold-out games, and superstar players making headlines.
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — A group of sixth- and seventh-grade girls gathered Thursday night in the Highlands Ranch Middle School gymnasium with coach Tammy Neuhaus for a drill she knows will lay the foundation for many future basketball careers. was carried out.
“We are a competitive women's basketball club in the state of Colorado, primarily south of Denver,” she said of the youth team, which is part of the Colorado Basketball Club, which includes teams from the middle school through high school levels. She said, “We're trying to train kids to love the game of basketball, teach them how to play the right way, and prepare them for the next level.”
CBC has been coaching girls youth basketball for 15 years. Neuhaus said many players go on to successful high school and even college careers. Several former players are currently playing in the women's NCAA Tournament.
“It's a gift. This is really a gift, some of the kids I had,” she said. “Join them on their journey and watch them grow and watch their love for the game.”
Neuhaus has seen the sport evolve and become increasingly popular in recent years, with prime-time television coverage, sold-out games and headline-grabbing superstar athletes. CU women's basketball will be in the national spotlight on Saturday with a Sweet 16 rematch between Iowa and formidable Caitlin Clark.
“Caitlin Clark is definitely a great player and did well. But [CU] coach [JR] Mr. Payne is ready for the team,” she said. “We are rooting for them in every way possible to make Colorado history.”
Neuhaus said her middle school team will be watching the Sweet 16 game. Some, like seventh-grader Braelynn Hills, earned a spot in the girls tournament and can name their favorite varsity players.
“I'm really looking forward to Saturday. I'm definitely going to watch it,” said Hills, who listed Iowa's Caitlin Clark as her favorite player, along with several other teammates.
“I think it’s really great to see girls basketball starting to grow even more and it inspires other girls to want to be like her,” seventh-grader Rowan Cohn said. .
“I asked my father today, was there women's basketball when you guys were around?” [younger]? ” said fellow seventh grader Hannah Roberts. “He said, 'Well, people were playing it, but no one was paying attention.'
Times have changed. They are growing up in the sport as the women's game receives a new wave of national attention.
“Great! And it's about time, right?” Neuhaus said. “I think this really shows what women can do. It's so much more than basketball. The way they're leading by example, how they're teaching other women, young women. Are you empowering others to do whatever they want to do? They can be anything they want to be.”
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