Olga Hanson Bowman played on the first girls basketball team at North High School in 1917-1918. She lived in North St. Paul for all of her 103 years

The first girls high school basketball team was formed when she was a senior in 1917-1918. Olga had clear memories of playing the game. The team was composed of five players and they played full-court basketball. According to Olga, "we played like they do today."

Olga played center. She said, "I was tall at 5 feet 7 1/2 inches so I took the jump balls and 'whacked' the ball hard to start the game and after baskets were scored."

Olga's teammates included Edna Schletk (whose father owned the hardware store), Edna Behrens, Ann Walser (whose father owned the saloon), Lucille Herrick (whose father owned the bank in North St. Paul) and Liz Krause, substitute.

The girls bought their uniforms that consisted of short-sleeved middy blouses and full bloomers worn below the knee. Black stockings and high-topped canvas shoes completed their uniform. There was no other expense involved in playing on the team.

The girls did not travel with the boys' team nor did they play on the same nights. Travel was by train or hose and wagon. Both the girls' and boys' teams were popular and supported by the community. The teams cheered for one another and had parties and dances after the games.

Olga remembered traveling to play White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi. They practiced in the gymnasium at the new North St. Paul High School and their team photo was included in the school yearbook.

In 2006, at age 103, Olga felt there was no harm in playing girls basketball. She believed that she gained confidence playing in front of spectators and "had a lot of fun."

Olga's great-granddaughter, Kate E. Mottaz, currently plays on the North High team, proudly carrying on her great-grandmother's legacy into the second era of girls basketball.

Photo of Olga Bowman used by permission of Lillie Suburban Newspapers.