By Jacinda Sweet
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Women's basketball has taken a big step forward.
This week, Nike introduced Air Swoopes women's basketball footwear. The shoe is the first to be named after a woman athlete, taking its name from Sheryl Swoopes, the Texas Tech standout who led the Red Raiders to the 1993 NCAA Championship.
"This is a dream come true for me," Swoopes said. "It means so much to be the first female to have a shoe named after her, and especially to be associated with Nike is really an honor."
Not only is Swoopes the first woman to represent Nike in such a capacity, but Air Swoopes is the first shoe to be named after any Nike athlete since Michael Jordan.
"To be in the same company with Michael Jordan is awesome," Swoopes said. "No words can describe it."
Swoopes broke numerous records throughout her career. Named 1993 NCAA Player of the Year, the two-time Kodak All-American holds four Southwest Conference single-season records, four Final Four marks and three NCAA tournament records.
In Texas Tech's quest for the national championship, Swoopes scored 47 points in the final, helping her team defeat Ohio State 84-82.
Most recently, she was a member of the 1994 World Championship team and the gold medal-winning 1994 Goodwill Games team. A member of the 1996 Olympic team, Swoopes is also a role model for many female athletes.
"The biggest thing our society needs in terms of athletics is female role models," said UA assistant women's basketball coach Tracy Waites. "I think the women have come a long way in terms of endorsements, the game and the attitude of the media."
Nike plans to support the Air Swoopes line with an extensive advertising campaign with Swoopes appearing in print ads, point of purchase displays and television commercials. Posters and trading cards also will be available in addition to the shoes.
Though some female athletes have complained in the past that shoes geared toward women were not as stable in quality as men's footwear, many hope this will be a turning point.
"Before Swoopes, I wouldn't buy a women's basketball shoe if it was the last one on earth," said DeAngela Minter, a point guard on the UA women's basketball team. "I hope it's going to be Swoopes who gives input on the shoe, showing Nike what needs to be changed in catering to female athletic needs."
Through her accomplishments, Swoopes has gained the respect of male athletes as well.
"It's good to see the women are getting respect, because it is past due," said UA men's basketball player Joseph Blair. "She's a great player, and I don't think it should have took one great player to bring women's athletics into the spotlight, though it is nice to see women are finally getting the recognition."