Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

BASKETBALL FOR ALL

Driveways, Dynasties, and the Rise of Gender Equity

Basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s a shared language. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how childhood games and collegiate icons reveal the evolving landscape of gender equity in sports.

I recently wrote a post about Men’s Basketball and my sister chastised me for not highlighting Women’s Basketball as well. Basketball is finally a sport for men and women. Actually, I was reminded that it always has been when you look at the “home” court.

I remember the basketball hoop above the garage door. Our garage was in the alley at the end of the property, so there was plenty of space to play ball and shoot hoops. HORSE was a favorite game of all the neighbors. You could shoot from any angle and distance with space in the alley. The contests were intense and sometimes severe. We were all competitive, and that certainly describes the kids in our neighborhood. We could set up all kinds of competitions but none better than HORSE.

If you are not familiar with the game, it is pretty easy. Each team shoots in turn, and each basket counts as a letter in the word HORSE. The team that completes the spelling first is the winner. Of course, this sounds simple. However, like all parts of life, the task is not simple.

First, you must realize that everyone else is watching you. Half of them are holding their breath not to break your concentration, and the other half are shouting insults! What kind of a game is this?! It’s pretty fun because when the other team has a turn, you insult them! What kid does not enjoy exchanging an insult or two? This was all genuine fun, and our boundaries were respected most of the time. A new kid in the neighborhood might have to be corralled, but only once.

As a kid, both the boys and the girls competed together. You might think that the boys dominated, but that was not necessarily so. Many of the girls were great shots. Today, as I surf the channels for basketball, I will also find girls and guys on competitive teams. The girls are equally passionate and equally talented. Since I live in the Maryland/DC area, following the Maryland Terrapins is easy, and you must admire their coach, Brenda Frese. As their head coach since 2002, she is an icon. I wonder why a professional team did not snatch her up long ago. Her teams have a history of success and dominance. Also, I can see that she respects these students and encourages their potential.

As a teen, I was a member of the cheering block. Remember the group that sat in the bleachers and cheered their heads off? We also wore weird shirts. The front was gold colored, and the back was black…our school colors, of course! With this flexibility, we could spell out things or create one giant letter to symbolize our team. That was a blast, except for being hoarse the next day.

Cheering for your favorite team is a blast.

Want to explore how basketball is advancing gender equity? Visit National Geographic’s history of women’s basketball and equity, The Ubyssey’s coverage of gender equality in North American basketball, and Feminist Campus’ guide to the WNBA’s fight for equality.

If you’re reflecting on sports, gender roles, or community connection, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and social wellness.