Before 1970, generations of girls throughout the United States joined high school Girls' Athletic Associations.  These girls did not compete in interscholastic sports.  Everyone thought competitive sports were for boys.  Few girls dreamed of winning championships. Their role was to support their sweetheart when he played sports.

            In the Calumet region, Girls' Athletics Associations thrived.  By 1930, most associations promoted the typical feminine sporting image.   Unlike boys, girls were portrayed as non-competitive, wearing dresses and lipstick. They exhibited lady-like behavior even when they participated in basketball, volleyball, archery, bowling, gymnastics, synchronized swim, and ping pong.   

            However, on various occasions, some girls showed competitive traits.  As early as 1908, a few girls' teams played basketball against other schools.  These traits were not accepted widely until after the passage of Title IX.  Then, between 1972 and 1976 increased funding and support allowed girls throughout the region, rich and poor, to establish competitive teams.  By the 1990s, the level of competition had improved dramatically because girls, like boys, enjoyed competition and wanted to become champions.

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