Girls’ sports in the 1950’s were very different than what we know today. It was not nearly as common for girls to participate in sports and, in fact, some experts questioned whether girls could safely participate in sports at all. Some felt that too much physical activity for girls could lead to illness or death. In addition, the US Congress had not yet enacted Title IX, which mandated equal opportunities for both boys and girls in school sports. Thus, Iowa girls’ basketball was unusual in it’s popularity both among players and spectators.