Howard: Erica, you spent the weekend at the induction ceremonies for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. You’ve already posted stories and interviews on both Chris Dailey and Katie Smith. But I’m wondering: What was the most enjoyable thing for you personally to see this weekend?
Erica Ayala: Wow. That’s a tough question. If I had to pick, it would have to be learning so much more about basketball. Yes, women’s basketball, but truly all levels of the game. I was also moved by the sincere joy of inductees like Dr. Marie Battaglia or the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL) players. These women paved the road for the game and never expected to be remembered. Dr. Battaglia teared up thinking about the former players who flew down to honor her. Even today, most female athletes don’t expect to be remembered. We’ve come a long way, but some of the parallels across the generations are frustrating. The WBHOF helps preserve a great deal of history and serves as important physical meeting place where players, coaches, and fans of the game can gather.
Howard: I love that. John Molina’s done some great work on the legends of the game that even precede the WBL, but that really gets lost in the memory hole. From the past to the future!