Title: The Trailblazing Journey of Lynette Woodard with Harlem Globetrotters 40 Years Ago In 1985, history was made when Lynette Woodard became the first woman ever to play with the legendary basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters. This groundbreaking moment came about as a result of the team’s owner at that time looking for ways to revitalize their performance after facing several challenges in maintaining popularity over the years. The Harlem Globetrotters were founded back in 1926, long before Black men were allowed on professional basketball teams. Over the decades, they gained immense popularity and became a household name. However, following the death of their founder Abe Saperstein, the team struggled to maintain its status. It was during this period that the new owner decided to hold tryouts for women in an effort to bring fresh talent into the fold. Out of 60 women who responded to the ad, only 20 made it through the first round of auditions. Among them was Lynette Woodard, a University of Kansas basketball star and native of Wichita, Kansas. She had been inspired by her cousin Hubert “Geese” Ausbie, who was also part of the Harlem Globetrotters team. Woodard’s journey with the Harlem Globetrotters marked a significant milestone in women’s participation in professional sports. Her inclusion in the team not only broke barriers but also paved the way for future female athletes looking to make their mark on the world of basketball and beyond. The implications of this historic event cannot be overstated. It challenged societal norms and expectations, proving that women are just as capable as men when it comes to playing professional sports. Moreover, it served as a powerful reminder that talent knows no gender boundaries. Looking back at Lynette Woodard’s trailblazing journey with the Harlem Globetrotters 40 years ago, we can see how far we have come in terms of women’s representation and participation in sports. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure equal opportunities for all genders across various fields. Let us continue to celebrate trailblazers like Lynette Woodard who inspire generations with their courage and determination.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/10/17/nx-s1-5550270/harlem-globetrotters-lynette-woodard-first-woman)
#years
Check out my AI projects on Hugging Face, join our community on Discord, and explore my services at GhostAI!