Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day in Indiana

National Girls and Women in Sports Day is a celebration of female athletes, past and present, who have broken barriers, achieved greatness, and inspired countless others to pursue their passions. Indiana, with its storied history of sports, has seen exceptional contributions from women athletes who have built lasting legacies in their respective fields.

A History of Women in Sports in Indiana

Before Title IX transformed opportunities for women in sports in 1972, female athletes in Indiana faced significant challenges. However, trailblazers in the state worked to create opportunities for women in athletics. Universities like Indiana University, Purdue University, and Ball State began investing in women’s programs, resulting in a culture where women could thrive on the field, court, and track.

Today, Indiana is a hub of women’s sports excellence, with professional teams, collegiate powerhouses, and grassroots programs shaping the future of sports.

Indiana’s Trailblazing Female Athletes

The Hoosier State has produced exceptional female athletes who have left a significant mark on the sports world. Here are just some of the names to celebrate:

Caitlin Clark

While Caitlin Clark hails from Iowa, her impact resonates far beyond her home state. As one of the most electrifying college basketball players in the nation, Clark, the number 1 overall pick of the 2024 WNBA draft, has captivated fans worldwide as a guard for the Indiana Fever and the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

Tamika Catchings

A legend for the Indiana Fever and a beacon for women’s basketball, Catchings was a 10-time WNBA All-Star and led the Fever to their first WNBA championship in 2012. She continues to give back to the community through her Catch the Stars Foundation, inspiring young female athletes to pursue their dreams. You can visit her local tea shop in Indianapolis called Tea's Me Cafe.

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Stephanie White

The Indiana Fever welcomed Stephanie White back to Indiana as head coach for the 2025 season. She grew up in West Lebanon where she was named Miss Indiana Basketball in 1995 and led Purdue University to the 1999 NCAA Women's National Championship in Basketball.

Jackie Young

From Princeton, Indiana, Jackie Young became the first overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. She has excelled with the Las Vegas Aces and won Olympic gold in 3x3 basketball in 2021, representing Indiana’s legacy on the global stage.

Janet Gutherie

Janet Gutherie made history in 1977 as the first woman to complete the Indianapolis 500. Completing in a sport dominated by men, Gutherie broke barriers and set the stage for future female drivers.

Lilly King

An Evansville native, King is a swimming sensation who has dominated international competitions. With multiple Olympic gold medals in breaststroke events, she’s a champion and a fierce advocate for fair play in sports.

Jessica Parratto

Jessica is an eight-time USA Diving National Champion in women's platform and platform synchro. She was just 17 when she competed at her first world event and went on to become the NCAA champion in 10M diving in 2015 for Indiana University.

Lindsay Benko

This two-time olympian, former world record-holder and managing director of USA Swimming, Lindsay Benko (Mintenko), made her reputation dominating the 100 and 200-yard freestyle events taking eight state championship titles while attending Elkhart Central High School.

Maicel Malone-Wallace

Malone-Wallace was a track and field icon from North Central High School in Indianapolis, winning 11 state titles. She later earned a gold medal in the 4x400m relay at the 1996 Olympics, cementing her place in Indiana sports history.

Ali Patberg

A Columbus, Indiana native, Patberg was a standout for IU’s women’s basketball team, helping elevate the Hoosiers to national prominence. Her dedication and skill on the court made her a fan favorite and an inspiration for young players.

Sarah Schaaf

From Fort Wayne, Sarah Schaaf is a rising star in women’s hockey. She’s helping to expand the presence of women in hockey, a sport traditionally dominated by men.

Skylar Diggins-Smith

Diggins-Smith was the first round 3rd overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft after she finished her high school career at Washington High School in South Bend, Indiana with 2,790 points, the third-highest girls' scoring total in Indiana history for an average of 25.9 points per game. She finished her college career at the University of Notre Dame ranking first in points, steals, free throws made, free throws attempted, games started and more.

Women’s Sports Teams to Support in Indiana

Indiana is home to incredible women’s sports teams and programs that fans can support year-round:

Indiana Fever (WNBA): As Indiana’s professional women’s basketball team, the Fever has inspired fans since 2000. Their 2012 championship and Tamika Catchings’ legacy are highlights of their storied history.

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Indy Eleven Women’s Team (USL W League): In 2021, the Indy Eleven took its first formal steps into the women’s game by purchasing a franchise in the United Soccer League (USL) W League, a new pre-professional women’s league set to kick off its Inaugural Season in 2022. By joining the USL W League, the Indianapolis-based club will now also offer a senior team platform on the women’s side, providing more opportunities for women to compete at the pre-professional level. The addition of the USL W League squad is part of Indy Eleven Sports and Entertainment’s long-term vision and commitment to community impact and growing the women’s game.

Indy Ignite: Indy Ignite is bringing the heat of professional women’s volleyball to Indiana in January 2025. As part of the nation’s premier pro volleyball league, their mission is to pursue victory, empower women and serve the community through the competitive world of pro volleyball. Their season opened to a sold out crowd at the new Fishers Event Center and are hosting the 2025 All-star Match on Feb 22. As of late January, their team is still undefeated.

Indy Ignite Pro Volleyball Photo Credit: Indy Ignite via Facebook