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KU Basketball! - March 29, 2013

Q: The KU women’s basketball team is playing in the Sweet 16! This Sunday, the Jayhawks will take on Notre Dame. This year marks the 4th time the KU women have made it to the NCAA’s Sweet 16. In what year did KU first field a WOMEN’s basketball team?

The First Kansas Girls' Basketball Team: they entered the competitive field in 1903, coached by the two women shown standing, the one at the right, Miss Bennett, being head coach. The players included the Misses Rose, Hendricks, Connelly, Eckley, Boyle and Mentzer. (Image Courtesy of Spencer Library/University Archives)



A: 1902 (We’d also accept 1903 – or 1902-1903 season)

The University of Kansas fielded its first women’s basketball team in 1902. That first KU women’s team went 6-and-2 during the 1902-1903 season, under the coaching of Dr. James Naismith (inventor of the game) and Jessie Bennett. KU didn’t officially field a varsity women’s basketball team until the 1968-69 season. Go Jayhawks!

And thanks to KPR’s Phil Wilke and Laura Lorson – and to KU’s Becky Schulte at University Archives - for help with today’s trivia question!