Throwback Threads

As Women’s Basketball Team Shoots for More Success, Get a Glimpse of 1920s Game-day Garb

Before the University of Maryland women’s basketball team was commanding the court in today’s streamlined and sweat-wicking uniforms, Terps seemed to take “suit up for game day” literally—neckties and all.

As UMD competes to defend its Big Ten title this season, we took a timeout with University Archives to look into the program’s past. Team photos from the 1920s, well before women’s basketball was even recognized as a varsity sport, feature players donning knee-high socks, scarves or ties, plain white shirts and belted shorts.

A donated gym suit from the collection of Mildred P. Smith, a 1922 grad who organized UMD’s first women’s hoops team, gives fans a front-row perspective. Between the collar, long sleeves and ballooning bottoms, it might be hard to believe someone could drill a jump shot or scramble after a loose ball in this. But maybe the wear and tear and not-so-subtle stains can convince you.