Before women’s sports captured national attention, Indiana produced trailblazing athletes. Cheryl Treworgy set a marathon world record. Cynthia Potter became the nation’s most decorated diver. Maicel Malone sprinted to glory on statewide broadcasts of the track and field meet.
In 1972, Senator Birch Bayh championed Title IX, the law that banned gender discrimination in schools. That victory opened doors for women athletes across the country. Decades later, Caitlin Clark changed the Indiana Fever, the WNBA, and women’s basketball itself.
A Legacy of Achievement
IndyStar’s new book, “Inspiring Women of Indiana Sports: They Changed the Games We Love,” profiles more than 30 athletes. The collection spans basketball, track and field, swimming, diving, gymnastics, and more. Readers will find Olympic champions like Tamika Catchings, Lilly King, Alex Shackell, Lauren Holiday, Chloe Dygert, Jaycie Phelps, and Lee Kiefer.
Transformational Figures
Readers will meet athletes like Missy Schwen Ryan, the only organ donor on record to win an Olympic medal, Kristen Spolyar, who helped her team win a Ukrainian basketball title before the war, and Lauren Bailey, who became an All-American just weeks after being hit by a car. Notre Dame’s Jadin O’Brien, who overcame a childhood illness to become a three-time NCAA track champion, is also highlighted.
Coaches: The Unsung Heroes
The book also acknowledges the influence of coaches and mentors in shaping Indiana’s sports history, reinforcing how guidance and opportunity fuel success for athletes at every level.
New Horizons and Continuing Stories
The 144-page hardcover coffee-table book includes exclusive photography from the IndyStar and stories written by longtime sportswriter David Woods. It ships by Nov. 14, making it a timely gift for athletes, families, and sports fans alike.
A Cultural Shift and a Call to Action
Retailing at $39.95 (or $31.95 with a limited-time 20% discount), “Inspiring Women of Indiana Sports” offers more than history, it’s a celebration of determination, resilience, and achievement. These stories are reminders that women’s contributions to sports deserve to be celebrated, preserved, and passed on to future generations.
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