An appreciation | Women at the top of their game deserve all the accolades

George W. Jenkins Field House at Florida Southern College and Kaplan Arena at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., are separated by more than just 800 miles.

One is a 1,800-seat gymnasium home to a Division II athletics program. The other is an 8,600-seat arena for a Division I program, but also is host to graduations, concerts and appearances by presidents and members of the British royal family.

Yet nearly every time my wife and I settle into our seats to watch a Tribe women’s basketball game, we have had season tickets for about 10 years, I can’t help but be transported back to Jenkins Field House and my undergraduate days at FSC.

Arriving in Lakeland from upstate New York in September 1981, my priorities, in order, were to play baseball and earn a degree in journalism and broadcasting. The first part didn’t work out, although the second did.

Beginning with my sophomore year, I worked in the sports information department. My first two years in the office, my main responsibilities were women’s volleyball, women’s basketball and softball. What a wonderful way to earn an education in women’s athletics.

Having two older sisters who played youth softball, I was introduced to women’s sports at an early age. When my brother and I weren’t being shuttled to our sporting events by our parents, we were attending our sisters’ games.

Still, that didn’t prepare me for what I was about to see and experience.

Title IX was fewer than 10 years old when I entered college, and the common misconception, nationwide, was that males were more dedicated and took sports far more seriously than their female counterparts.

It didn’t take long for me to see the women athletes at FSC put just as much blood, sweat and tears into their sports as the men.

I vividly recall seeing tears roll down Lisa Mason’s face as she slumped to the floor after a loss to a bitter rival ended the volleyball season. How much the defeat meant to her, and how much it hurt, were obvious.

While serving as a practice opponent for the women’s basketball team, I saw how hard the players worked and the effort they put into their sport. I saw them play and practice through bumps, bruises and a variety of injuries. Facing Deidre Lane in practices and scrimmages was no easy task.

Softball pitcher Jody Kay used her intellect as well as her physical talents to win games.

Opponents who celebrated prematurely and wound up on the receiving end of a menacing glare, and future spike, by volleyball player Dana Cozine can sympathize with her children who might have received that same glance when they crossed her.

I could go on and on.

It goes beyond the players. The homework, scouting and preparation done by coaches Lois Webb, Chris Bellotto, Dick Goding and others were just as impressive.

With National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrated on Feb. 1, it’s time they received attention.

For the coaches, athletes and support staff involved with women’s teams at FSC from the time I entered in fall 1981 until I graduated in spring 1985, thank you. I learned more from you than you’ll ever know. Just as important, I enjoyed watching you play and appreciated your heart, effort, and dedication. For those who played before that, thanks for setting the foundation. For those who played after that, thanks for continuing the tradition.

Since graduating from college, I’ve attended more women’s sporting events than men’s. I enjoy them equally, and I wish more people did. There is great support for male athletes and male sports on every level; not true for female athletes and female sports.

People are missing a great opportunity.

I’m a proud FSC alum, and what I learned in the classroom there set the foundation for my three-decade journalism career. My college roommate, Pete Aldrich, often relayed his father’s mantra that the biggest classroom on campus is the gym. His father, Wes, should know. He was an assistant men’s basketball coach at FSC for seven years, including their 1981 championship season. The only thing I’d add is that applies to athletic fields, as well.

FSC not only fostered and developed my love of journalism and writing but fostered and developed a profound appreciation and love of women’s sports. That continues to this day.

I’m reminded of where it was formed, and drawn closer to that place and time, whenever I enter another college arena many miles from FSC.

About the writer: Bob Flynn had an award-winning career in the newspaper profession that lasted more than 30 years. It started in the sports department at The Ledger, where he worked from 1982-90. He works in the communications and marketing department at Virginia Peninsula Community College and is a freelance writer. He lives in Gloucester, Virginia, with his wife, son, daughter, and daughter-in-law. He can be reached at BobF6381@cox.net.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Women in sports get to the top through the same grit, determination as men