At a time when athletes look to play college basketball and learn the rules of the NCAA, the organization created the College Basketball Academy for women. They made one for the men in 2019 and hosted a second one in 2021. Now, the NCAA created an academy for women.
NCAA Creates Women’s Basketball Academy
What Is the Academy?
The academy happened in Memphis and helps incoming college athletes understand everything in college basketball. Moreover, the athletes receive information sessions on the transfer portal, NIL, recruiting, and more. The players get a feel of college basketball and the new climate of getting paid as an athlete.
More importantly, the transfer portal has heated up in the last three years. More specifically, between 2020 and 2021, 22% of women’s players entered the transfer portal, and 31% of men’s players did the same. This is higher than before COVID-19 because of dissatisfaction with their programs and an extra year of eligibility. Therefore, the availability of info sessions for female college athletes is crucial. Female athletes understand the changing climate in men’s and women’s basketball, helping their transition.
Why Was It Established?
Lack of Equity
USA Basketball and the NCAA established this academy due to a 2021 report discussing the lack of equity. Lynn Holzman, the Vice President of NCAA Women’s Basketball, echoed the importance of the event. She explained that it’s crucial to “invest in women’s basketball to help provide educational opportunities and exposure opportunities at an equitable level. We’ve been able to provide a mirror image and model for both men and women.” Holtzman and the NCAA put action into aiding with this event. Contributing $4 million to helping with over 1,000 players and “chaperones,” the NCAA helped with food and lodging for the event. With a chance to advance the women’s game further after the success from last season, establishing this academy is a good step.
To Bring Top Coaches
With this academy, there is a chance for the players to get advice from top coaches. 32o coaches from 162 different schools attended this event. Some notable coaches included South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, Louisville’s Jeff Walz, and LSU’s Kim Mulkey. Players play before these coaches, allowing them to showcase their skills at a high level.
The Last Word
The Women’s Academy is an exciting new development for incoming women’s basketball players. Access to the college game and coaches is excellent for the players. The game continues to grow, and establishing events like this help make basketball better.
