IU women’s basketball coach Teri Moren recently shared her early memories of Assembly Hall, the iconic arena that has been a central part of Indiana University’s sports history. As the university dedicated the newly renamed Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, Moren reflected on the significance of the arena and its impact on the women’s basketball program.
The ceremony to rename the arena was a momentous occasion, with fanfare and celebration surrounding the event. Moren, who has been instrumental in transforming the women’s basketball program into one of the Big Ten’s most competitive teams, shared her thoughts on the historic venue. She recalled the day when Cindy Simon Skjodt, a major donor to the university, addressed the women’s basketball team, inspiring them with her leadership and generosity.
Scott Dolson, the Deputy Athletic Director at the time of the dedication, witnessed the impact of Simon Skjodt’s gift on the women’s basketball players. He noted the significance of having a female leader step up and support the renovation of Assembly Hall, inspiring the student-athletes with her generosity.
The dedication of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall marked a turning point for women’s sports at Indiana University. Under the leadership of Fred Glass, the former Athletic Director, initiatives like the „24 Sports, One Team“ philosophy were implemented to support all sports programs at the university. This philosophy aimed to provide equal resources and opportunities to all sports, including women’s programs that had historically been under-resourced.
The commitment to women’s sports at IU has been further strengthened under the leadership of Scott Dolson, who succeeded Glass as Athletic Director. Dolson’s vision for the department includes invigorating women’s sports and elevating their success across the board. The creation of the Women’s Excellence Initiative in 2021 has been a key component of this effort, focusing on fundraising and capital improvements for women’s sports programs.
The success of women’s sports at Indiana University has been on the rise in recent years, with programs like women’s basketball, soccer, softball, golf, volleyball, water polo, rowing, and swimming and diving achieving notable accomplishments. The investment in facilities, coaching staff, and resources has contributed to the sustained success of these programs.
The culture of support and camaraderie within the athletics department has been a driving force behind the success of women’s sports at IU. Coaches, administrators, and athletes have emphasized the importance of a unified approach to supporting all sports programs, regardless of gender. The leadership of Scott Dolson, along with the dedication of long-serving staff members like Mattie White, has been instrumental in fostering this culture of support and success.
Overall, the commitment to women’s sports at Indiana University has been a collaborative effort, with a focus on providing equal opportunities and resources to all athletes. The dedication to excellence and inclusivity has led to a resurgence of women’s sports programs at IU, with a bright future ahead for all student-athletes involved.