The Last Merchandise Site You'll Ever Need!

It is my goal to take the search work out of finding women's licensed team sports apparel and memorabilia. It is a labor of love and a task I am willing to accept wholeheartedly! What comes next in this chapter is a culmination of my desire to help all fans of women's team sports never have to wonder,..."where can I find merchandise of ______? You fill in the blank.

This dream started for me in 1994,....
Louisiana Tech vs.North Carolina for the NCAA women's basketball national championship. With time winding down in regulation, Carolina's Charlotte Smith hits a jumper at the buzzer to give the Tarheels the win.

Living in Georgia at the time, I went out the next day, excited by the prospect of scoring a commemorative championship tee. I searched Champs, Sports Authority, Finish Line and a couple lesser known sporting goods retailers around my area. I got nothing, unless you count the blank stares when I asked if they were going to be getting a shipment of the championship tee.

We've come a long way. Manufacturers now recognize that women's sports memorabilia items and replica jerseys are gaining new fans. The internet can put products in your hand overnight, so it is my pleasure to simplify this situation just a little bit more.

With a mix of league shops, specialty women's sports apparel stores, accessories, throwbacks, league championship apparel and collegiate championship apparel, the aim is to put all team sports and sports stores under one roof. Need to score the Maryland field hockey championship tee? It's listed here. How about the Minnesota Lynx Championship apparel. It's here too! Looking for soccer throwback jerseys or memorabilia from defunct women's sports leagues and teams? We try our best to locate those items as well!

What ties us (the women's sports community) all together is our continued support for the next generation. We are ambassadors for the future as well as historians of the past. Ultimately "WE" are our biggest fans. A group as diverse as our sports who share a passion for success.

Please check out the site and share it with other women's sports fans. Share it on facebook, tweet about it, forward to your friends. Let's get the word out! Help me make the site the best it can be! Feedback is always encouraged. I love hearing comments and suggestions.

Know of a shop which caters to women's licensed sports apparel or accessories? Submit their name and website for inclusion on the "shops" page.

This is a work in progress, continually morphing to be better able to serve you, the fans. Thanks so much for your support! Now go check out the site!  www.womensgame.net




 

Stanford Cardinal,...National Champs!

The third time really is the charm as the Stanford Cardinal got the one win that has escaped them the previous two years, the National Championship in women's soccer. Read more about the win here.

Celebrate the Cardinal win with the officially licensed championship tee.

The Stanford soccer bracelet makes a great stocking stuffer for your Cardinal fan. Get yours today, limited quantities.

Black Friday..and Beyond

As we begin this holiday shopping season with "Black Friday" leading into "Cyber Monday" and beyond...be sure and remember those on your list who would enjoy jerseys, visors, sweatshirts and tees. Here is a short list of a few items to get you started. Choose from vintage WNBA teams and championship items to current women's professional league champions (Minnesota Lynx and Chicago Bandits). Relieve the 2011 NCAA softball championship or sport past championship apparel. There is something for everyone as well as a price! Take a look!

UT Hall Of Famer, Cat Osterman! Congratulations!

On November 18, 2011, Cat Osterman was inducted into the Longhorn Hall Of Honor. A determined and fierce player her years at the University of Texas prepared her for the rigors of life as a professional softball player for the USSSA Pride of the NPF and her career overseas in Japan. Read more about her accomplishments here. Celebrate Cat's era at the University of Texas with authentic Texas Longhorn softball gear.

Congratulations! Maryland Field Hockey

Congratulations to the Maryland Terrapins field hockey team repeats and wins their eighth NCAA field hockey championship, their second in a row, over the University of North Carolina, 3-2 in overtime. Read the recap here.

Be sure and purchase officially licensed championship gear in both short sleeve or long sleeve t-shirts.

Check out other Maryland field hockey apparel. 

The Final Four,...Will Solo Continue?

The final four couples took to the dance floor Monday night in ABC's Dancing With The Stars, by most accounts, Hope Solo's performance was not enough to catapult she and her partner to the top. She had this comment to make, "When the odds are against me, I find a way to defy them." 

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/dancing-stars-week-9-semifinals-recap-rob-rises-top-pack-nurses-ankle-injury-article-1.977632#ixzz1dmhHK4Eg

Tonight she will find out her fate, dance another week or dance off gracefully!...
Nevertheless, we salute Hope for what she's best at,....soccer!
Good Luck! 

2011-2012 NCAA Women's Basketball Season Underway

By now your favorite women's college basketball team should be underway in it's 2011-2012 season. There are high expectations for many to arrive in Denver in early April. Many of the usual suspects are expected to perform well. See the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll top 25 ranking here.

The top team in the land is the Baylor Bears, lead by their dynamic center, Brittany Griner. Griner begins her junior season in Waco. Will this be the year she finally gets to cut down the nets? For us, the fans, mark your calendar for a few crucial dates.

• November 21st Stanford at UCONN
• November 27th Baylor at Tennessee
• December 6th UCONN vs. Texas A&M
• December 18th Baylor vs. UCONN
• January 7th Notre Dame vs. UCONN
• January 23rd Notre Dame vs. Tennessee
• February 27th Notre Dame at UCONN 

All games will be televised so check your local listings. There are many more interesting match-ups but these dates certainly come with great anticipation. Dawn your favorite fan gear and settle in for an exciting 2011-2012 season.

NPF Back To School Tour Continues

USSSA Pride's, Danielle Lawrie part of Team NPF

The NPF has it's college Back To School Tour in full effect. The tour began back on September 30th against the University of Memphis softball team. There is a commemorative "Back To School" long sleeve, white tee which has the caption "Schooled" on it, which is fitting since the NPF All-Stars are undefeated through over half of it's 20 opponents. Team NPF will resume play on October 22nd versus the University of Washington. Not only will it be a reunion for two of it's all-stars, Danielle Lawrie and Ashley Charters, but the game will be played at Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners.

Seven games remain on the Back To School Tour, but before the pro series wraps up for 2011, be sure to purchase officially licensed gear. Several tees and hoodies are available and many are currently on sale! Check the NPF store for selections.

"The Line-up"...Artwork To Benefit Pro Fastpitch

"The Line-up"

The second original piece of artwork is now available for purchase. A great gift for the softball fan in your life.

This charcoal pencil drawing depicts four players standing together in a line-up before the game. Click the link for purchase options to fit every budget. Prices start as little as $2.00. You can find other print options including post cards, framed art and posters.

Don't forget a portion of the purchase price goes towards the NPF's Twenty for 2020 campaign.

2011 Western Conference Championship Apparel

Congratulations to the 2011 Western Conference Champs, the Minnesota Lynx! Preview and purchase the gear at the WNBAStore.com.

Western Conference Championship Lockeroom T-shirt and Cap available here!

WNBA Finals begin October 2, 2011. Still time to get the 2011 Playoffs t-shirt. Get it here.

For All The "Little Dreamers"

2011 has proved to be a very good year for following fastpitch softball. I got to see quite a bit of collegiate games including the ACC Softball Championships. And I fulfilled a personal goal to see, in person, a professional NPF game. Of course you can't forget the WCWS which featured eight talented and dynamic teams competing for the highest title in collegiate softball.

Danielle Lawrie on the mound

Natasha Watley on deck

Jessica Mendoza ready to steal second

In July I got a chance to see the USSSA Pride play the Akron Racers at the Wide World of Sports Complex. I was truly a kid in a candy store. It was a bit surreal for me to enter the stadium, wearing my "old school" Akron Racers jersey and visor. I was treated to a good game and fabulous atmosphere. It was everything I hoped for and more.

Seeing those women in college and in the professional league living out a dream made me applaud what the NPF is doing with their Twenty for 2020 campaign. I've always felt like women's professional sports leagues can't and shouldn't always follow their male counterparts in building and sustaining profitable and accepted leagues. We must think outside the box!

"Little Dreamers"

Two original art pieces have been created in honor of the Twenty for 2020 campaign, the NPF and all the people who love and follow women's softball. This charcoal pencil drawing entitled, "Little Dreamers" depicts women softball players huddled at the pitchers mound while a little league softball player stands on second base. It's a playful look at the dreams many young girls have to one day play professionally. Prints of the artwork are being offered for sale with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the NPF's campaign.

Please share the link. It will make a great gift for coaches, teammates, parents, birthdays, end of season give-a-ways or christmas gifts for the softball fans in your life. A second drawing will be available beginning September 26th. Please leave us feedback! We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Where's The Bandits Championship Tee?

The entire purpose for this blog is to support women's athletics through finding licensed apparel. In that quest, having championship tees are an important component to fuel the hunger of those fans who buy jerseys, caps and memorabilia.

I have to say it has been three days since the NPF Championship Series. The Chicago Bandits were victorious over the favored USSSA Pride in a best of three series. I have yet to find a championship tee, commemorative cap or any licensed merchandise congratulating the victors.

Could it be a cost issue?

Was championship apparel sold after the game at the venue?

Maybe they are creating it right now in limited quantities and going to offer it online for purchase?

Being a fan as I am, I would always like to see an option for championship apparel. It is important as a marketing/advertising tool as well as a historical piece of the history of the game and league. If for some reason I have overlooked the championship apparel, I apologize and ask that you let me know where it is to be found. I'd love to pass it on to the other readers.

In the meantime, satisfy your Bandit spirit and shop the official Chicago Bandit online store. You'll find t-shirts, replica jerseys, sweatshirts, visors, memorabilia and more.

Get Your NPF Licensed Merchandise Today

The WCWS is over, the collegiate seniors have been drafted and June 9th marked the start of the 2011 National Pro Fastpitch season, NPF for short. The excitement of the college softball tournament is a perfect lead-in to the NPF season. Although the NPF has been called many names...WPSL, WPF....it's goal has always been the same,to cultivate a successful league for women who want to pursue softball as a profession.

June 11th, ESPN2 will televise the Chicago Bandits taking on the USSSA Pride. The league will showcase four teams, Chicago,USSA Pride (Orlando), NPF Diamonds (Kissimmee) and Akron. Growth of the league and the sport in general is a priority as evidenced by the core players, who chose to fore go playing for the National Team to compete in the NPF. Check out this article in the USA Today.

Be sure and support the league through merchandise. The NPF has an extensive store full of tees, jerseys, caps and "throwbacks" to former teams. You can also purchase gear for individual teams. You can find the links below.

USSSA Pride
Chicago Bandits
NPF Diamonds
Akron Racers

Gotta Love those throwbacks!

The 2011 Softball National Champs, Arizona State!

There has been a lot of speculation on whether or not this was the year the SEC conference would breakthrough and win the National Championship. In NCAA Softball's 30yr history no team east of the Mississippi has every won. Confidence was high as Florida chomped the University of Alabama to reach the title game but the SEC will have to wait at least another year to contend for a championship as the best team in the land PROVED IT! Congratulations to the Arizona State Sun Devils for winning the 2011 Women's College World Series! Celebrate with them! Purchase your officially licensed gear from the NCAA Store.
Choose from several t-shirt designs and the official cap. Shop here. You can also check out the Sparkys Stadium Shop the official store for Arizona State University Athletics. In addition to championship tees, you'll find a championship ball, travel mug, champions banner and champions banner flag. Shop Sparky's.
Other retailer:
Football Fanatics

Not Too Late For WCWS Merchandise

The first pitch of the Women's College World Series was thrown today. As we cheer on our favorite teams, be sure you are wearing proper game day apparel. Not too late to make a quick purchase. The 2011 NCAA Women's Softball College World Series Bound 8 Group Logos Tee has the school logos of the 8 WCWS participants. A great addition to your merchandise collection.
In addition to the WCWS tee you can find the 2011 Softball Conference Champions t-shirts and various softball t-shirts.

Missouri Tigers fans check out this tee. And another here.
Arizona State fans check out Sparky's.
Alabama,...Roll Tide!
Oklahoma fans check here!
Baylor Bears fan gear here! Interested in a cap!
California softball items...
Oklahoma State softball tee
Florida Gators gear

You can always check Softball Outlet for team visors and tees.
Get your gear soon, some venues were out of stock! WCWS is being held June 2-8 and being televised on the ESPN family of networks.

2011 Women's Lacrosse Championship Gear

The 2011 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championship crown goes to....Northwestern!

Commemorate their sixth National Championship in seven years with officially licensed gear. Check out the Championship tee at the NCAA store while the Wildcat store offers a different championship design. Take a look at the officially licensed cap.

Fastest Game On Two Feet!....

In the midst of the craziness of the NCAA softball regionals and super regionals of the Women's College World Series, lies the women's NCAA Lacrosse Championships. The sport of lacrosse is not new. It's origins are rooted in a Native American team sport played with a ball and a long handled stick. The game was adapted for women's play during the 1890's mainly because it was seen as an ideal sport for women who played field hockey during the fall.

The women's college game boasts 91 division I teams, 57 division II teams and over 200 division III teams, but it's largely a geographic game. It's predominantly played east of the Mississippi river. Only a handful of schools in the west and midwest compete. Lacrosse has been dubbed the "fastest game on two feet"...and it's gaining popularity outside traditional northern states. I Live in the southern state of Georgia. There are only three (division III) women's programs in the entire state. However the sport has drifted into the city and county recreational programs and the rapid addition of lacrosse programs into the local High School Association is another sign of the rapid growth of lacrosse in general.

The U.S. Women's Lacrosse Association, founded in the summer of 1931 governed the sport on the collegiate and club levels until 1981. In 1982, the NCAA took over and began hosting it's National Championship Tournament for women. In the 29 year history there have been 10 different champions. The University of Maryland has been dominant with 10 titles, including a run of 7 consecutive victories. In recent years, Northwestern has shown hints of a dynasty with a 5 year consecutive streak of their own.

The photo to the right is of Northwestern player, Jessica Russo.

Some great athletes have played the game, but unlike women's basketball, soccer or softball there is no professional league available in the U.S. for athletes to continue with their playing careers. Unfortunately, not much television coverage is available for the present 2011 NCAA tournament. The tournament which began May 14, concludes May 29th with the championship game. The final four competing in the May 27th quarterfinals are Maryland vs. Duke and North Carolina vs. Northwestern. The remaining games can be seen through a live stream on NCAA.com. For more information regarding the division I championship tournament check out the women's lacrosse home page of the NCAA. If you are interested in more information about women's lacrosse resources, check out the following links.

WomensLAX
Womenslacrosse
STX WomensLacrosse

These sites contain information on both men and women:
Lacrosse Forums
LAXPOWER

The Gap is Closing....!

The NCAA began crowning a women's softball champion in 1982. In that time, west coast teams have dominated. Well over 250 Division I schools have softball programs, so it's hard to fathom that in it's 28 year history only Texas A&M, Michigan and Oklahoma are the only spoilers to the west coast party.

I'm making a bold prediction: The WCWS will see it's first east coast winner and they will come out of the SEC. I realize I'm displacing Arizona State, Texas, Oklahoma and Michigan but as this years women's basketball tournament upset of favored UCONN should tell you, you still have to play the games.

The Women's College World Series tournament begins with 64 teams from 16 different regions that compete in a double elimination round. The sixteen winners then enter a "super regional" usually played at the higher seeds campus in a best of three series. From there the eight winners compete in the WCWS. Although largely dominated by UCLA (10)* and Arizona (8) in number of titles, other parts of the country are represented and year after year they creep deeper and deeper into the tournament. If you have watched the softball polls this season you have seen a few SEC teams trading places in the rankings. The SEC boasts four contenders to challenge the elite pedigree of the west.

The USA Today/NFCA Division I poll has seen UGA and Alabama never fall below 7th place while Florida and Tennessee haven't fallen below 11th. Both UGA and Alabama have occupied the no.1 spot, UGA (4wks) and Alabama (3wks). Both Tennessee (2007) and Florida (2009) have been Women's College World Series runner-ups. In 2010, Alabama was one out away from making the WCWS but was knocked out by a 7th inning walk-off homer. UGA advanced to the WCWS for the second straight year and looks to contend for a third try. The four programs have talent, experience and leaders on the field. They are poised to be battling in June,...possibly each other.

The SEC regular season ends this week and the SEC Tournament begins May 12-14 at Ole Miss Softball Complex. NCAA Regionals take place on campus sites May 20-22. Super Regionals will be played on campus sites May 28-29. WCWS will be at ASA Hall Of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, OK June 2-8. Access the NCAA Softball Championship site here.
*1995 title vacated by the NCAA

Making The Right Call

If you possessed the skills and characteristics featured in that want ad you have what it takes to be an official on the playing surfaces of today's athletic sport teams. A profession not suited for the faint at heart. Officiating takes character, fairness and emotional preparedness.

So who's apt to pursue a career as an official? Surely some fall into it by accident. Some use it as a way to earn additional funds. Candidates range from ex-athletes of the sport, perhaps their way of staying involved? Teachers, professionals or entrepreneurs looking for extra income or the challenge? However the beginning for some what starts out as a part-time job can manifest into a full fledged career. Regardless the beginning, the reasons for staying may be vastly similar,...passion for the profession, opportunity to encourage good sportsmanship, the travel or a chance at impacting the youth of today. Some may set their sights higher to achieve at the highest level the sport has to offer, professional leagues, even Olympic competition?

Most officials are name-less bodies on the court or field who interpret the rulebook. Most keep relative anonymity to the everyday fan. But some enjoy somewhat of a celebrity status. Their name and face is recognizable and their decision making on the job has yielded them success in their field. Recently the NCAA did a piece on three well known officials. Whistle While You Work gives the reader a glimpse into a day in the life of a collegiate basketball official. The three woman crew was part of the Women's Final Four officiating team. You are treated to how they prepare for games and what process they use to critique their performance. It is a good read which paints a picture of the human side of these face-less authorities.

So the next time you are participating or spectating at an athletic event amateur or professional, acknowledge the face of the person wearing the whistle/mask. Critique their performance. Agree with the calls or not but understand the work involved in improving their craft is a difficult one. One that is shroud in constant learning, constant reflection and second guessing. Ultimately they just want to get the calls right!

WPS New Season Begins

With the new season of the WPS comes a few new teams and certainly new merchandise for the 2011 season. Be sure and check it out at www.shopWPS.com.

You can check out Sky Blue FC vs. Philadelphia Independence live on FOX Soccer and online, Sunday 6pm ET.

Texas A&M 2011 National Championship Gear

Celebrate the Women of Texas A&M and their outstanding run in the NCAA Tournament and their first ever National Championship with officially licensed merchandise. Check out the Lady Fanatics site for official gear. You can also find a larger selection of officially licensed apparel in the Aggie Locker.

And Then There Were Four.....

It's the eve of the final four and as I reflect on the incorrectness of my bracket I think back on where I started and how I arrived at this point. Every year my brother and I make a friendly wager on both the men's and women's tourney. Rules?...two points for every correct win. The loser makes a desert of choice for the winner. I don't put much stock in winning the men's brackets. Although I watch a lot of basketball, I watch much more women's basketball. I pretty much knew I was making one desert when #1 Pitt went down on the men's side (I had them in the final four). After the first round of the women's tournament I was comfortably leading without a care in the world, after all the women's tourney doesn't experience Cinderella's,...right? You can pretty much copy the number one seeds in the bracket blanks all the way to the finals.

Television coverage usually lets you see into the lives of many different basketball programs across the country. Especially if you're a part of the ACC, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC or PAC-10. But, I'm afraid I, like others, never got to know the caliber of talent in some obscure women's basketball parts of the nation. I thought cheese-heads only cheered for the Packers. I'll admit I had Tennessee and Baylor in my final four bracket (now I owe my brother two deserts). I didn't expect anything different than the four number one seeds meeting in Indianapolis. Just another reason to play the games, right? You always hear the critics of the world say that women's basketball is not exciting, the same teams always get in year after year. The top seeds always prevail. I took a look back at the last 11 years (2000-2010) from both the men's and women's tournament final four to see if they were on to something.

Just The Facts (200-2010)
#1 seeds who have won the national title?
Men-8
Women-9
*(Looks pretty even to me)

Schools which have had a men's and women's program in the final four.
Duke (2 or more times)
Louisville
LSU
Maryland
Michigan State
Oklahoma
Texas
UCONN (2 or more)
UNC (2 or more)

The statistic that starts most of the comparisons and arguments comes in this form. From 2000-2010, there has been 27 different schools (men) who have participated in the final four versus 17 schools (women). Clearly there are a lot of repeat programs there year after year. Here's where the parity in men's basketball takes centerstage and where most people consider this to be why men's basketball is more exciting. Any team on a given night can beat the top seed. Perhaps this year was a turning point in the women's game. Teams like Gonzaga could make a memorable run to the Elite Eight or Louisville's giant slaying of top seeded Xavier. Even the pressure felt by some top seeds to dispatch their lower seeded counterparts. The gap is beginning to widen. It was truly fun to watch this years tournament. And even though Tennessee and Baylor are absent, the additions of Notre Dame and Texas A&M offer plenty of drama and personalities. After this year I'm just not confident that UCONN will defeat Notre Dame, again, nor are they a lock for their 8th National Championship. It's anybody's tournament.

So I look forward to the uncertainty of the remaining games. I'll watch the final four and the championship game and simultaneously satisfy my brothers sweet tooth. Mid majors!... these cookies, brownies and pound cake are for you!

For This National Championship Is It Deja Vu for Baylor?

March madness has officially arrived. In a few hours we will know the outcome of where the field of 64 will begin their quest for the coveted National Championship. And for Baylor, they have been here before. We'll get to that a little later. But before we fill in our brackets and make our predictions for the Final Four let's take a look at the history of the women's tournament through "statistical analysis". That sounded mathematical and quite boring but trust me this analysis is of the "fun" kind. Let's start with the basics, you may know some of these so bear with me.

Battle of The Sexes
*The NCAA women's tournament began crowning a champion in 1982 compared to it's male counterpart in 1939.
*Female coaches have dominated the championship. Only Geno Auriemma and Leon Barmore were able to enter into this girl's club.

Win, Lose, or Draw
*There have been six schools entering the tournament undefeated.
-Texas (1986) went all the way winning the championship.
-Louisiana Tech in 1990, lost in the final four.
-Vermont (1992,1993) lost both times in the first round.
-UCONN (1995,1997,2002,2009,2010) won the title 4 of the 5 times.
-Liberty and Tennessee (1998) were both undefeated going into the tourney. Liberty lost in the opening round and Tennessee won the title that year.
*There has been two overtime games in the championship game.
Tennessee/Virginia (1991) and Maryland/Duke (2006)

Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better
*Louisiana Tech (1982, 1988) and Old Dominion (1985) only mid-major schools to win the title.
*Furthest Historically Black College to advance in the tournament was Cheyney State which reached the championship game in 1982.
*Only one Big 10 school has won the title game, Purdue (1999).
*Tennessee holds the record for most championships by a school (8) and most final four appearances (18).
*In it's 29 year history the SEC has had a team in the final four 25 of 29 times. From 2004-2008 LSU made the final four consecutively but never made the championship game.
*UCONN is a perfect 7-0 in the title game.
*Four times has the championship been played by teams from the same conference.
1989 SEC Tennessee/Auburn
1996 SEC Tennessee/Georgia
2006 ACC Maryland/Duke
2009 Big East UCONN/Louisville

West Coast Bias
*Only two west coast schools have won the title game.
USC (1983,1984) and Stanford (1990,1992) with each winning once in Los Angeles.
*Only other west coast school to participate in a final four, Long Beach State (1987,1988)

Reap What You Sow
*Lowest seed ever to win the championship game, #3 North Carolina (1994).
*Lowest seed to advance to the final four, #9 Arkansas (1998)
*#16 Harvard knocked off #1 Stanford in the first round. First time male or female tourney history a #16 seed defeated a #1.

It's Not That Easy Being Green
*There has never been a purple jersey playing for the title game,...sorry LSU.
*A team with the color combination of red/white has been in the final four 24 of 29 times. Make that 26 times if you allow red variations maroon or burgundy.
*No team wearing a green jersey has won the championship. Although Notre Dame and Baylor have green in their school colors, Notre Dame wore their gold uniform in 2001 and Baylor wore their black jersey in 2005.

If History Repeats Itself
*Twice the championship has been played on April 5th. Stanford (1992) and Baylor (2005).
Now why is this Deja Vu for Baylor you ask?
**April 5, 2005 (odd year) Baylor wins the national championship playing in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN. April 5, 2011 (odd year) the NCAA championship game is being played in Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Baylor is favored to make the final four.

The Lady Bears better pack their black jersey!

The NCAA womens tournament begins first and second rounds March 19-22 with regionals March 26-29. Look for the final four April 3rd and the championship April 5th. ESPN again will cover all games, check your local listings.

You can begin filling out your brackets Monday night, March 14th around 7pm ET,...I know I will.

Tip-Off To Conference Tournaments

It's conference tournament time in NCAA Women's Basketball. The prelude to "March Madness" and it's weeks of win or go home scenarios. The conference tournaments are a time to wipe the regular season slates clean and give a less than stellar team a chance to "do over" the regular season standings in order to win the championship and secure an automatic berth in the NCAA field of 64. This March 3rd marks the start of some of the most impressive tournaments. Below you will find tidbits of information about some of the top conference championships in the country. Included in these is the NCAA's longest running women's conference tourney, the Atlantic Coast Conference. Thirty-three years of history surround the teams and that first tournament played in Charlottesville,Va. The 2,750 spectators paved the way for the future, a whopping 73,187 spectators witnessing the 2009 tournament.

Atlanta Coast Conference
* 1983 saw Linda Page (NCSU) score a record 42pts in one game
* There have been 8 different host sites in it's 33yr history
* Most wins by an ACC Program held between University of Maryland and UNC, both with 9 titles each.

Southeastern Conference
* Tournament began in 1980
* South Carolina and Arkansas only programs to never participate in a championship game. Subsequently South Carolina has never made it to a semi-final game.
* LaToya Thomas (MSU)scored the most pts in a game with 44 in 2001
* No surprise University of Tennessee holds most SEC titles with 14
* Highest attendance total for tournament, Nashville,TN 2008 (51,036)

Big 12 Conference
* Tournament started in 1997
* Highest attendance for tournament, 2007 (48,990) in Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK
* Coach with most wins Bill Fennelly, ISU, 21 wins
* Most Big 12 titles, Oklahoma (6)

Big East Conference
* 1983 marked the beginning of the tournament
* UCONN had impressive 9 year run of conference championships from 1994-2002
* UCONN currently on a four peat for Big East championships, 2007-present

Big 10 Conference
* Tournament began in 1995
* Attendance high 2006 (38,638)
* Most championships, Purdue (7)

Pac-10 Conference
* Tournament inception 2002
* Nicole Powell (Stanford) holds record for most points in a tournament game (37)
* Stanford holds all-time title count with 7, UCLA and ASU only other tournament winners with (1) win each
* Washington State has an 0-9 record in conference tournament play
* 2011 will see combined tourney between men and women

Notables
* Atlantic 10- Xavier owns (5) A-10 titles, tourney started in 1983
* CAA- Old Dominion had a 17yr run of championship titles from 1992-2008
* MWC- AirForce has had 1 win in 11 appearances

March Madness Merchandise

It's that time again. Time to start printing out our brackets and spending excessive hours in front of the tube educating ourself on the "bubble teams",..."selection process" and "at-large berths". We'll look up RPI's and decipher "strength of schedules" and "quality wins". So as conference tournaments get kicked into high gear and tickets are punched to the "big dance" we dawn our lucky t-shirts, sweatshirts and caps. We'll root for our teams until our voices disappear. And in the end only one will stand as the National Champion, will it be your team? The Womensgame has two new designs to get you ready for the madness to come. One design proclaims school nicknames in a fun saying while the other tells you "How To Do Math In March". Click the "customize it" button and insert your favorite team in the "your team here" section for a personal touch. Get your gear early, check out the site today.

Pitchers And Catchers Report

...Pitchers and catchers report! One of the most recognized phrases in all of sports. With the utterance of those four words comes all the excitement and anticipation of spring training. I can only imagine what it would have been like back in 1943. In small midwest cities, there was possibly the same excitement felt by young hopefuls entering into a great unknown,...auditioning for what was to be the future of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. In case you've been under a rock or somehow missed the big screen depiction (A League Of Their Own) of the AAGPBL, you know the women's league history of substituting for major league baseball during war time. Although the league ended, the legacy it left will never die. The league is forever enshrined in the baseball Hall of Fame. For memorabilia buffs the following companies serve as licensed retailers.

Larry Fritsch Cards has created 3 sets of baseball cards of former players, coaches and chaperones of the league.

Gals In Sports offers printed memorabilia such as reprints of old clippings, illustrations, photos and more items that have a historical connection to the AAGPBL.
Phone: (508) 947-0750


K&P Weaver offers authentic uniform reproductions and accessories for all teams, home & away.

Take a stroll down memory lane, relive history or learn a bit about our women's athletic past, check out these merchandisers.

New Product

Be sure and check out our newest product launch! Show your pride and support for the women's style of play. This fan "basic" is a must for your collection! Check it out!

Fan Basic Basketball by womensgame
More Basketball T-Shirts

This design can also be seen on many other styles and accessories!