RANDY METCALF/Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore Emily Mason takes a break from her daily dip in the pool yesterday at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center. Mason has placed her name in the UA record books and received national attention resulting in All-American status.

Women Wildcats shine during turn in the UA spotlight

A revolution is beginning at the University of Arizona, and this select group of students isn't fighting for lower tuition or improved class registration. No, they are fighting for something much more important ÷ respect.

With football and men's basketball garnering most of the attention in the UA sports world, the amazing achievements of women's athletics often go unnoticed.

However, the female student athletes on the UA campus are ready for their time in the spotlight, and they more than deserve it.

A quick history lesson shows us that the most dominant sports over the last 10 years here on campus have been women's sports. The softball team has won six national championships since 1991, including five during the last 10 years. The women's golf team has also brought home two NCAA championships since 1996.

In addition to the team championships, there have been numerous female individual NCAA champions, as well.

Yet, these women still face stiffer competition off the field than they do on it. Every one of them must deal with the many stereotypes that confront women athletes.

"It is harder for girls to be good athletes," said senior softball player and All-America candidate Lovie Jung. "For guys it is OK to be a good athlete. They are expected to be athletic, but it is different for girls."

Oftentimes fans recognize the talent the men's teams have without ever watching them play. Highly touted recruits are lauded with praise before they ever compete as a Wildcat.

Yet, the females are often overlooked, and are forced to prove that they belong as student athletes.

"To get the recognition as a woman, you have to do something big for people to stop and say, ÎOh my God,'" said women's basketball player Shawntinice Polk, a freshman All-American this past season. "I mean, we have to prove to everyone that we are good just to get them to want to come and watch us."

The coaches of women's sports here at the UA also recognize the challenges their athletes face.

"The players just want to be treated fairly," said women's head basketball coach Joan Bonvicini. "They want to be known by their peers and they want to be respected and there still is a big disparity."

One stereotype that the female athletes face is that their lack of strength compared to men means that they are not as talented as athletes. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

"People are misinformed as to how good these girls really are," said softball coach Mike Candrea. "You can't compare the two (men and women) on strength; men are just stronger. But the students that don't come out and watch are missing the boat. They are missing a chance to see great athletes compete."

If people still need to be convinced as to how talented these athletes are, they should open their eyes and take a look at Polk.

At 6-foot-5 inches, Polk is a dominating inside force for the Wildcat women's basketball team.

While she may not be able to compete at the same level as college basketball's top few male participants, anyone who thinks they could beat her one-on-one or take her in a game of horse at the student recreation center has another thing coming.

Still not convinced? Then venture out to Hillenbrand Stadium and watch the softball team practice. Major League Baseball players could learn a thing or two about the fundamentals of the game by watching these Wildcats on the field.

Jung handles herself at shortstop as well as guys named Jeter and Garciaparra. A ball deep in the hole is no trouble for her as she backhands the grounder and fires to first to get the runner. If you continue to have doubts about the skills of women athletes after a trip to the softball field, head over to the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center and watch the swimmers take to the pool.

There you will find sophomore Emily Mason perfecting her stroke as she readies herself for off-season competition and hopefully a chance to make the 2004 U.S. Olympic squad.

One thing all the female athletes on this campus exhibit is an outstanding work ethic that is as good ÷ if not better ÷ than that of their male counterparts.

They all realize that no matter how many people are in the stands, they still have to play their hearts out, and hopefully soon the recognition will begin to come.

"It's not necessarily fair that we don't get the same recognition," said Mason. "It is just the way it is, and you just have to deal with things the way they are dealt to you."

The continued success of the women's sports programs here at the UA will hopefully lead to more recognition for the female student athletes.

Part of the reason for the success of the women's athletics is the commitment that is made to their programs by the athletic department and the university as a whole.

"Arizona has been supportive of having a big, successful athletic program," said Candrea. "Arizona has done that by making a commitment to women's athletics financially, facility-wise and with great coaches."

The bottom line is that sports fans must give these female athletes the chance to show off their immense talents.

"For things to change, and the sports to earn more recognition, fans need to come out to the games," said Bonvicini. "We need to continue to be on television and on the radio. If people come out and watch, they will be impressed and they will come back."

All these women need is a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.