There aren't as many Ladies in college athletics as there used to be.
Let me emphasize a crucial clarification. That upper-case "L" makes all the difference.
There's a push for women's college teams to drop the Lady from their nicknames. Arkansas made news last week when the erstwhile Lady Razorbacks became simply the Razorbacks.
This trend, however, will bypass the University of Tennessee, for now and likely forevermore.
Tennessee's women will remain the Lady Vols, despite disdain from national media or women's advocacy groups.
"My answer is, would McDonald's give up its arches?'' asked Joan Cronan, UT women's athletic director.
Of course not.
Nor should UT's women give up a name and logo known far and wide to stand for excellence.
The basketball program Pat Summitt has built and maintained is a brand, just like McDonald's or Starbucks or New York Yankee pinstripes. Soccer, softball, track, all the other sports profit by association with that brand.
When I spoke to Cronan this week she was in Atlanta at a national sports merchandising affair. It's an annual trip to promote the Lady Vol logo.
"I wear a lot of shirts with the Power T (the UT men's logo) and the Lady Vol logo and I'm proud of both,'' Cronan said.
With the decision by Arkansas to combine its men's and women's athletic departments, only Tennessee and Texas operate separate programs.
A merger to eliminate redundant operating expenses makes sense to many, myself included. But that's a debate for another day. Whether UT funds one athletic department or two, the Lady Vols should retain their distinction from the men Vols.
One offshoot of being a brand name also is being a target for the political-correctness agenda.
At the 2007 Final Four in Cleveland, columnist Christine Brennan of USA Today took Tennessee to task:
Brennan wrote that UT could make a "powerful statement," adding, "If Tennessee eliminated 'Lady' from its 'Vols,' it's likely the dominoes would begin to fall and the other schools will follow suit.''
Brennan isn't alone in her opinion. She quoted Aimee Mullins, president of the Women's Sports Foundation, as saying the Lady usage "demeans the seriousness of the women's programs" and is "a sneaky, insidious patronization.''
That all sounds good from afar. But when you attend a Lady Vols game at Thompson-Boling Arena, there isn't even a whiff of patronization.
Cronan and Summitt are sensitive to being a role-model program for their gender. However, they view their brand recognition as a positive rather than a negative.
"I would invite them (any critic) to come see what we've established at the University of Tennessee,'' Cronan said.
Still, the dominoes are falling.
The Arkansas defection tips the SEC balance in favor of non-Lady, 7-5.
The five "Lady" holdovers are Tennessee, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and LSU.
But that's only basketball. The other four don't use "Lady" for softball, soccer or some other sports.
In other words, Tennessee stands alone in the SEC as Ladies for all seasons.
Nationally, the holdouts are primarily Southern. Louisiana Tech, Baylor, Texas Tech, Clemson and Western Kentucky maintain the "Lady" distinction.
In Tennessee, Chattanooga, ETSU and Memphis use "Lady," while MTSU, Tennessee Tech and Vanderbilt do not.
Penn State's Lady Lions are the lone exception in the Big Ten and I didn't find any others in a BCS conference outside the South. When basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer got to Rutgers in the mid-1990s, she made a point of jettisoning "Lady" from the Scarlet Knights.
Oklahoma State's women enjoy their own identity as "Cowgirls," rather than the inappropriate Cowboys or, worse, Lady Cowboys.
Southern California lists Trojans along with the traditional "Women of Troy" as official nicknames. Both are widely used.
Meanwhile, at UT, there's only one usage. The women of Tennessee will remain the Lady Vols. And proudly so.
Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strangem@knoxnews.com.
UT's new $45 million football…
Images from Larry Murphy's book on…
Smokey undergoes physical therapy at UT
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 37
Rockytop98 writes:
Good Move, we don't have to follow like the other lemmings.... GO LADY VOLS!!
GreerVol22 writes:
people like Brennan and Mullins are still dealing with "Daddy issues", and seem to need a cause to ease their pain. Get a life people and quit getting so danged offended over petty issues like this.
you want to be offended? then jump on a real womens advocacy cause...look at what happening in Africa with tribal women...there is you a cause.
ncvol writes:
You know its great to be a Tennnessee Vol and we love our Lady Vols.......
feathersax writes:
LADY VOLS...8 (count 'em) EIGHT NCAA championship titles. Nothing more to be said. What's in a name? TENNESSEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cobbwebb writes:
whats in a name ? how about 8 natinal titles numerous sec titles ,all americans, final fours , and the all time winningest coach in ncaa history. go LADY VOLS !!!!!!!
burntorangeVOLffle writes:
It still says TENNESSEE across their jerseys. Giving them their own logo is a classy distinction that should be praised. When you see someone wearing a Lady Vols shirt or hat you know they are supporting.
TommyJack writes:
Glad they're not throwing in with the PC gone wild crowd.
CoverOrange writes:
Is there any other collegiate sport than BB that has both a men's and women's team? I just thought it was a way to differentiate the two teams.
Hey Joe.
What Alice.
Wanna go watch the Vols play Georgia tonight at TBA?
I thought they were in Lexington to play Kentucky.
That's the men's team. I'm talking the Lady Vols.
The what? Somebody's grandma plays basketball?
The women's team Joe.
Oh, yeah, they're phenomenal.
AllLadyVol writes:
What many sports fans who live elsewhere do not understand is that in the South, "Lady" is not a derogatory term, it is a sign of respect.
A "Lady" is a classy, distinguished, accomplished woman and in that sense our Lady Vols certainly qualify for the title.
If other schools want to lump their women's teams in with the men's, I say that's fine...but the Tennessee Lady Vols are a special class of team and should be referred to as such.
"Lady" does not mean we are less than the men- but that we are DIFFERENT. Go Vols and Lady Vols!
AllLadyVol writes:
And to echo the sentiments of another poster-
There are many women all over the world who have much bigger problems than someone calling them Ladies. Rather than whine about a name, why not REALLY stand up for women and attempt to help those in need?
budd#207344 writes:
May political correctness suffer a long and painful death. Go Lady Vols
BillVol writes:
I cannot stand Christine Brennan. But she's right on this one.
Turbo: Ever heard of track and field? Cross country? Swimming and diving? Tennis?
BillVol writes:
By the way, which will fall first -- the separate women's athletics department or the "Lady Vols" moniker? My prediction is that the women's AD will be merged into the men's AD (which will save us a lot of money) before the women's teams ever give up the "Lady" in their nickname.
Cherokee writes:
I'm not in favor of changing the name, and I see nothing remotely patronizing about the term "Lady" in the nicknames of womens' teams. If others want to change their nicknames, fine, but what really gets me is the inclination these folks have to lecture down to anyone who doesn't share their view. It's not good enough for them to be allowed to have their own view and act accordingly, they have to deride others' views, and pitch a fit until they force others to accept their agenda. I'm sick of political correctness.
ladivolfan writes:
You Go Joan! Get a clue Brennan. A true gentlemen would refer to a classy female as a "lady". Any man that doesn't is rude and isn't worth a dime. AllLadyVol, you are right on with your comments. Give the LADY Vols the classy term they have earned.
richvol writes:
Let's see...what have Brennan and Mullins ever done to deserve the right to tell UT what to call their women's program? Nothing.
I believe UT has "the" premiere women's athletic program in the country and, along with it, the personnel that built this program and image into greatness.
This irrational inferiority complex that these feminists constantly put forward is counterproductive to women.
No one can make you feel or look inferior unless you either let them or deserve it.
Since when is it demeaning to call someone a "Lady"? I believe that, the last time I checked, the practice of referring to a man as a gentleman was still a compliment. So, if you're so determined to be "equal" then stop acting like you're not.
richvol writes:
Can we get some AMENS?
TommyJack writes:
That was beautiful brother.
knoxtenor writes:
A few thoughts:
- When you have eight title rings, you could be called "Happy Fun Time Vols" and there shouldn't be a problem.
- It's not demeaning to be called a "Lady Vol[unteer]," its a privilege. I can understand how a female basketball player from Arkansas wouldn't care to be called a "Lady Hog," but "Lady Vol" doesn't have a negative connotation. Heck, I'm a guy, and if I could be associated with eight NCAA titles, go ahead and call me "lady."
- As has been previously pointed out, the "Lady" is an appropriate title. While Pat was amassing those championships, her girls weren't being caught with marijuana or arrested for drunk driving; they weren't tearing up hotels and holding wild parties that were broken up by law enforcement. They were practicing, playing hard, and studying. As I understand it, Pat's girls consistently have the highest consistent GPA and graduation rate of any college team, male or female.
- As for on the court, well, I admit the stereotypical "lady" moniker falters there. Pat's teams don't play prissily; they're aggressive on both ends of the court. Many a men's coach wishes that their guys would play with the fire that the "Lady" Vols do. Pat has single-handedly changed how the game of women's basketball is played in that respect. There's little difference today in the men's and women's games other than the size of the ball and basket thanks to Pat. And, let's face it, 99.99% of people, men and women, would be lying in a bed doped up to their gills with oxycontin if they dislocated a shoulder. They certainly wouldn't be firing up jump shots in a championship game!
One final thought: When I was at UT in the early/mid 80s, some moron in the marketing department came up with bumper stickers that said "The Lady Vols are Dolls," assumedly to try to increase attendance at Lady Vols basketball games which, admittedly, was poor, even in the cramped confines of Stokely. (I was in the men's pep band and we were required to play five Lady Vol games to receive credit.) I think about how incredibly stupid and demeaning that was event back then. Well, these days, watch out! That "doll" (I was particularly enamored to Sidney Spencer) you see coming down the court at you will put you on your a** en route to a layup... and a national title.
keys11 writes:
the fact of the matter is, when you say Lady Vols, everyone knows who you are talking about. There is more than just pride involved but a tribute to greatness. This is a "name" that will go down in history now and forever as an example of pure athleticism and professionalism. The real battle of feminism is getting muddled by these petty arguments. Yes, language is an amazingly powerful tool but there has to be a line drawn somehwhere. H*ll I bet there are many men in this world who wish that they too could play on the Lady Vols.
ladivolfan writes:
Amen, Amen and Amen.
CoverOrange writes:
BillVol, it was a hot and long day yesterday. I didn't write what I was thinking. Are there sports with men's and women's teams that compete on their own schedules like BB?
bloodrunsorange writes:
Second Post! This is America. Everyone has a right to have an opinion. I was a Tennessee Graduate twice when we brought in the Carolina Blue and the Prefix Lady for our University of Tennessee Women Athletes. I selfishly thought they’re not or never will be the men Vols and will never deserve the respect our men athletics have. They’re just girls draining money under title 9. That was then and this is now. I have changed my mind. We have ladies serving in our country’s armed services. If one loses her life in defense of our country we don’t think of her as a Lady Army or Lady American. We think of her as Our Army and one of Our American Soldiers. I have a Lady Vol daughter that I am very proud of her. To me she is a UT VOL. I know how hard she has worked and trained. I believe she deserves my and your full respect as a UT Volunteer. She’ll always be a Lady and a great representative for our University. In my opinion we have Americans not German Americans, Irish Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, Men Americans, Women Americans, etc… Our Female athletes do, will, and should deserve our full support and respect no matter what the marketing people want to call them to sell more stuff. It’s just my opinion and after looking at the poll, I’m very much in the minority. That’s OK too. I’ll love the female Vols and the male Vols no matter what they’re called. One more thing, “Punkin” you did GREAT as a Lady Vol, we’re very proud of you!
tshipley7963#209006 writes:
People they are just jealous. I say they can take a flying leap into a rolling donut and keep the ladies just that ,The lady vols
amcguire01 writes:
Thank you Joan Cronan for not caving in...! When I think of Lady Vols, I think of excellence!
threehundredbowler writes:
The Lady Vol doll post reminded me of the best lady doll Vol of all.Brittney Jackson.
arkyvol writes:
if okla. state got really serious about eliminating gender from their athletic teams, then they could refer to the players as 'cowpersons'.
snowvol writes:
Richvol mentioned earlier that UT has "the" premiere women's program in the nation. I'm not sure I agree with that since UCLA, Stanford and North Carolina, with a few more, are light years ahead of UT in women's national titles. But, that said...
No one from USA Today or anywhere else has any business telling UT what we should, or should not, be calling our teams.
volboy81#211803 writes:
You said it well, Joan. Thanks for standing up for your/our beliefs despite the small-minded PC people.
98reax writes:
Good Freaking Grief! The Lady Vols are doing quite well, I'd say. When the nation starts to measure up to the stature of the University of Tennessee's women's basketball program, then and only then will it matter what they think we should be called. For now, call us Eight Time & Defending National Champion Big Orange Lady Vols. And keep on engraving those trophies as such. Thank you very much.
Titan writes:
I believe the first school in the conference to drop "Lady" was Vanderbilt. That, by itself, is enough reason for us to NEVER do it. And in the old country, I believe LADY is a very revered and respected title. I normally don't rile on PC too much but this one deserves a rant - GET A LIFE FOLKS!
Amen richvol?
vol_1998 writes:
You 200 or so who don't like Lady in the Lady Vol name then FIND another team!
drwfocus writes:
Tennessee: where men are men and women are champions. GO LADY VOLS
gnm53108 writes:
I am so proud of Joan aand Pat for not pandering to a bunch of politically correct B.S.
We love our LADY VOLS and every single one of them ought to be proud too.It seems like America is raising fewer and fewer Ladies every year.We need atleast one bastion where becoming a lady is something to be proud of.
GO LADY VOLS!
bearyh#240689 writes:
Perspective please!
For all of us that have walked the halls with these atheletes you know that they are truly the best and brightest in our country. Where some will argue that they are not THE best they are ONE OF THE best programs in the country.
With that said, how is this name demeaning. I was one of the students in the late 80's that thought the women could beat the men. Our women were that good.
Maybe I am getting old now. None of my friends ever demeaned the women's athletic program due to the name. It actually gave it an identity that we could be proud of outside of the regular men's program. We could proudly and visibly support that program by purchasing the product with this Lady Vol label. I am still proud almost 20 years out that I was associated with a university that is so proud of it Lady's accomplishments.
If this is so offensive then why do the best and the brightest young ladies (i.e. women) come to our program to play instead of the Stanford's, UCLA's, etc.?
VolinBama writes:
ZZZZZZZZ....wait,wait, did I miss the kick-off?!?
Chartervol writes:
People will eventually get it: one school, one athletics department, one name, one logo, one color scheme.
All varsity athletes at Tennessee should be called Volunteers or Vols. No cutie-pie modifiers are necessary.
And until UNC starts adding orange "accents" to their unis, we don't need to be putting Carolina blue on ours.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.