BGSU Centennial Sport Blog: Womens Basketball (1:00 Class)

For the Sports Centennial Project, we were excited to learn about the rich history of Women’s Basketball at BGSU. In particular, we choose to research about this sport due to the recent success and energy it has brought to BGSU athletics: 6 consecutive MAC Championships, NCAA Tournament Appearances, and the highlight of the program, Advancement to the “Sweet 16” in 2007. During the research process, we were able to interview some key players that have been a part of recent success of this program such as: Tamika Nurse, Liz Honegger, and Kate Achter. They were able to give great insight as to what went on during crucial moments as a BGSU Basketball player, as well as reasons why they became so successful.

Kate Achter (Top) and Liz Honegger (Below) in action during 2007 season.

In addition to the recent success, it was also interesting to learn about the history since BGSU Women’s Baskebtall began. We were able to learn a great deal of information about the early days from first hand experience with Sue Hager, one of the first Women’s Basketball coaches at BG. She explained how style of play has changed as well as how the popularity has come a long way in the sport of Women’s Basketball at BGSU. Bowling Green Women’s Basketball started in 1919 as two literary societies playing against each other, which eventually transformed to a low budget intercollegiate sport in 1962.

Throughout its 40+ years in collegiate athletics, BGSU Women’s Basketball has gone through numerous changes in: the recruiting process, style of play, and fan support. Overall, we had a great experience researching on this sport at BGSU and enjoyed seeing how Women’s Basketball has transformed over the last 100 years into one of the top Mid-Major programs in the country!