In a memorable home game on January 6, 1981, Lynette Woodard, a standout player for Kansas, etched her name into basketball history.
Catching a pass at the top of the key, Woodard executed a flawless dribble before sinking a jump shot that gracefully swished through the net. It was a moment of pure athletic brilliance, solidifying her status as one of the game’s greats — a status that should have been universally recognized.
“Oh my goodness,” exclaimed Elizabeth Galloway-Mcquitter, President of Legends of the Ball. “Lynette was an all-around player. She could do everything. She could play all positions.”
Woodard’s remarkable jumper propelled her to become the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball, a feat achieved during the era of the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW), before the NCAA formally sanctioned women’s basketball.
However, despite the significance of Woodard’s accomplishment, her record has lingered in obscurity. When Caitlin Clark, known for her trademark long-distance 3-pointers, surpassed Kelsey Plum’s scoring record on February 15, it was Plum’s record, not Woodard’s, that fell.
Clark now nears the legendary mark set by Pete Maravich, an emblematic figure in the annals of basketball history, with his combined men’s and women’s record of 3,667 points.
Yet, nestled in between is Woodard’s remarkable tally of 3,649 points. It’s a milestone that Clark is on the cusp of surpassing, poised to achieve against Minnesota or Ohio State. With an average of 32.1 points per game, Clark needs a mere 33 points to eclipse Woodard’s record.
While overtaking Plum’s record was undoubtedly a notable achievement, it wasn’t the ultimate record. And relegating Woodard to the shadows does a disservice not only to her but also to the trailblazers of women’s basketball and to Clark herself.
“When you don’t know the history-makers, it cheats them and the current players,” remarked Galloway-Mcquitter. “One of the greats of our game is constantly kept in the shadows. And I imagine Caitlin [Clark] would want to know whose record she is really chasing.”
Woodard’s illustrious career extended beyond college basketball. She was a pivotal member of the United States women’s basketball team that clinched gold at the 1984 Olympics. Additionally, Woodard made history by becoming the first woman to compete with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Despite her myriad achievements, including being a four-time All-American and a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Woodard’s rightful claim to the scoring record remains unrecognized by the NCAA.
This lack of recognition stems from the NCAA’s refusal to acknowledge players from the AIAW era, dismissing their statistics and contributions. This oversight prompted Galloway-Mcquitter and Legends of the Ball to advocate for Woodard’s celebration and acknowledgment.
Legends of the Ball, founded by former players like Galloway-Mcquitter, aims to educate the public about women’s basketball history, particularly highlighting the significance of Title IX, the AIAW, and the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL).
Woodard’s legacy is undeniable. During her tenure at Kansas, she averaged an impressive 26 points per game and was the first woman at the university to have her jersey retired. Her influence transcended collegiate athletics, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
“I want the NCAA governing body to know that they should respect the AIAW players,” asserted Woodard during an ESPN broadcasted game between Kansas and Kansas State. “This is the era of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They should include us. We deserve it.”
The significance of records extends beyond mere numbers; they encapsulate the rich tapestry of the sport’s history. Clark’s impending record-breaking moment symbolizes the progress of women’s basketball, made possible by pioneers like Woodard.
Galloway-Mcquitter emphasized, “You can’t truly gauge how far the game has come until you know those seminal moments… That’s why history matters. We need to think about the ones who first opened the doors and kept them open.”
While Clark’s ascent to the top of the scoring charts is undoubtedly remarkable, Woodard’s legacy looms large. Her record should have been an opportunity for a passing of the torch, symbolizing the enduring spirit of excellence in women’s basketball.
