In a memorable home game on January 6, 1981, Lynette Woodard received a pass at the top of the key. The talented player from Kansas took one dribble, executed a jump shot, and etched her name into the annals of basketball history – a moment that should have received more recognition.
Elizabeth Galloway-Mcquitter, President of Legends of the Ball, marveled at Woodard’s versatile skills, describing her as a player who excelled in all positions. Woodard’s jump shot catapulted her to become the highest scorer in women’s college basketball history, achieved during the AIAW era before the NCAA sanctioned women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark recently made headlines with her signature long-distance 3-pointer on February 15, breaking Kelsey Plum’s record of 3,527 points. Clark now has her sights set on surpassing Pete Maravich’s all-time record of 3,667 points, holding both men’s and women’s basketball records. Yet, sandwiched between Plum and Maravich is Woodard’s remarkable achievement of 3,649 points.
The impending moment approaches when Clark is likely to surpass Woodard’s total, potentially achieving this milestone in an upcoming game against Minnesota or follow-up match against Ohio State. With an impressive average of 32.1 points per game, Clark needs just 33 points to surpass Woodard’s record.
While eclipsing Plum’s record was a significant feat for Clark, the true record held by Woodard should not be overlooked. Neglecting Woodard’s accomplishment does a disservice to her, the trailblazers of women’s basketball, and Clark herself.
Woodard, an integral part of the United States women’s basketball team that clinched gold in 1984, remains an unsung hero in the history of the sport. Galloway-Mcquitter emphasized the importance of acknowledging the pioneers of women’s basketball and not allowing their legacy to fade into obscurity.
The narrative surrounding women’s basketball history is incomplete without recognizing the contributions of players like Woodard. Legends of the Ball, a collective of former basketball players from her era, including Galloway-Mcquitter who played at UNLV, aims to shed light on the legacy of athletes from the AIAW era and the Women’s Professional Basketball League.
Woodard’s impressive college career at Kansas from 1978 to 1981, where she maintained a scoring average of 26 points per game, solidified her status as a four-time All-American and the first woman at Kansas to have her jersey retired. Her illustrious career culminated in a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics, positioning her as a trailblazer in women’s basketball history.