Western Carolina University

WCU's 1969 Women's Basketball Team - Online Roster
 

The women of Western Carolina University's 1969 basketball team made history on March 22 four decades ago. They were the first team to compete in the CIAW Championship, facing West Chester State (Pa.) in the title game. Despite losing that historic game, 39-65, that '69 squad had much to be proud of in a time when the game they loved so much was not even recognized as a varsity sport. The team finished its fourth season with a 14-3 record, losing only to UNC-Greensboro (twice) and West Chester in that final game. That team was coached by Betty Westmoreland and consisted of 14 players, including Janet Cain, Marilyn Sheets, Jane McCleese, Nora Lynn Finch, Edna Jessup, Barbara Kaylor, Barbara Vaughn, Suzanne McGinnis, Karen Pike, Brenda Williams, Kathy Shannonhouse, Becky Griffen, Kris Kulp and Lynn Milner.