Girls high school basketball took another blow to equal treatment earlier this year as Opelousas High School’s winning coach Breonna O’Conner was allegedly fired for her choice of attire on the court. Although the coach exhibited outstanding coaching skills and an unwavering commitment to discipline, she was allegedly fired for her appearance on the court, with school officials stating that coaching wasn’t a “fashion show.”
O’Conner’s impressive prowess on the court was showcased during her tenure with the Opelousas High School (Louisiana) girls basketball team, achieving a record of 18-4, she was unexpectedly terminated despite her stellar performance.
The controversy surrounding O’Conner’s termination sparked a broader conversation about the values and expectations placed on coaches in high school basketball.
O’Conner’s dismissal has sparked intense debate regarding discrimination against women in sports. The public sentiment strongly leaned towards parents wanting their children to be mentored by someone who commanded self-respect and wasn’t hesitant to showcase their capabilities.
O’Conner’s supporters also charge that the gender gap in the game also applies to high school sports claiming that although girls have been playing high school basketball for decades, they are not treated as well as their male counterparts.
The impact of discrimination against girls in high school basketball is significant. According to a recent study, girls are much more likely to be benched during games, even if they are better players than the boys on the team.
The gender gap problem extends far beyond high school though. Professional women’s basketball players have been subjected to mistreatment and discrimination from league officials in play and pay.
The Britney Griner case is a prime example of just how serious the inequities in compensation between male players and women in the sport.
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