Honoring the Legends: Which Women's College Basketball Jerseys Deserve Retirement Next?
This article explores which women's college basketball players' jerseys should join the ranks of honored legends after recent retirements.
As A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark prepare to have their jerseys retired, it's time to reflect on who might be next to join the elite ranks of honored players in women's college basketball. The recent jersey retirements, including Kelsey Plum's moment at the University of Washington, have sparked discussions about the players who have significantly impacted the sport.
Acknowledging Breakthrough Contributions
When Kelsey Plum saw her No. 10 jersey retired earlier this month, it marked a historic moment for the Huskies and the women's game. Plum, a two-time WNBA champion and three-time All-Star, articulated her emotional journey:
"I look back now and it is really cool to have a full-circle moment...It’s cool. I appreciate that time of reflection."
The Next Stars to Honor
Following Plum's emotional tribute, other players' contributions are also worthy of recognition. Elizabeth Kitley of Virginia Tech had her jersey retired just the day after Plum, and as these celebrations unfold, one could speculate on who will be next. Suggestions from analysts include:
- Sabrina Ionescu (Oregon): With her unique milestones of 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists, retiring her No. 20 jersey seems inevitable, given her leadership in taking the Ducks to the 2019 Final Four.
- Ashley Joens (Iowa State): The Cyclones' all-time leading scorer finished her career with over 3,000 points and should swiftly have her No. 24 jersey honored, bringing attention to her historical contributions.
- Nneka Ogwumike and Kate Starbird (Stanford): Advocates push for a change in jersey retirement policies to recognize the monumental influence of these two players, who reshaped their program's narrative.
- Angel Reese (LSU): After leading the Tigers to their first NCAA championship and breaking multiple records, it’s clear her No. 10 should be immortalized.
The Awaited Future
Currently, there's a delay in jersey retirements at some institutions due to stringent historical criteria. Rhyne Howard of Kentucky and A'dia Mathies are examples of talents whose numbers should also receive the same honor within their programs, given their legacies in the sport.
As jersey retirements become a focal point in honoring former athletes, the trends suggest a growing acknowledgment of women's contributions to college basketball. Stay tuned as we continue to witness how these impactful moments shape the future of women's sports.
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