Exhibit - Women Before 1945

Despite being admitted since 1870 to M.A.C. women athletes did not receive the same type of support as their male counterparts in sports activities. In 1888 women formed their first regular sports teams but only until 1896 they were allowed to compete in field day meetings. Women's basketball formally started in 1898. In 1919 the Department of Physical Education for Women was created, led by Helen D. Grimes. Female students were required to participate in physical activities including calisthenics and non-contact sports. In 1922 the Women Life Saving Corps was formed, to later become the Green Splash in 1927, and in 1924 the creation of the Women's Athletic Association opened new venues for athletic competitions. By 1926 the association had more than 100 members and featured 18 different sports; in 1928 a major in Physical Education for Women was approved. Soccer, skating, hiking, volleyball, tennis, and rifle were among the favorite sports. Intercollegiate competition for female athletes was prohibited.

Related Objects

Field Hockey
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Women's Field Hockey, circa 1922
1922
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Women's Rifle Team
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Women's Rifle Team, 1922
1922
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Women's Rifle Team, 1923
1923
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Canoeing the Red Cedar River, undated
1920-1929
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Female Diver
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Fencing Team
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
1926 Wolverine
1926
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Women's volleyball team, date unknown
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MSU Archives and Historical Collections
Women's basketball team, 1932
1932
Image: jpg
MSU Archives and Historical Collections