50 & Forever: The roots of Virginia Tech women’s basketball

Ask anyone currently residing in Blacksburg, and it won't take long to realize – there's just something truly special about Virginia Tech women's basketball.  

The Hokies have a dedicated following from one of the country's most passionate fanbases, as indicated by recent record-breaking sold-out crowds and widespread recognition of players among locals. From new families to students to long-time supporters, the entire community loves women's basketball.  

During a recent interview, head coach Megan Duffy emphasized how motivating the close-knit relationships between the players and fans has been for her: "You feel like they [the fans] are part of your family. I've loved that part – just working really hard to make them proud." 

Building the program to where it stands today took decades of hard work, standout players and overcoming adversity. Virginia Tech women's basketball achieved full varsity status in 1976-77, with head coach John Wetzel leading its inaugural season. However, the first official club team was actually formed during the 1971-72 academic year.  

Peggy Hall Lee, a Suffolk native who began playing recreational basketball at the age of six, was one of the trailblazers on that first team. Her freshman year, Lee arrived at Virginia Tech as a sports-lover excited to showcase her skills on the intramural softball and basketball teams. Little did she know, she and her new friends would be creating a team with a lasting legacy.  

It all began when Betty Cornwell, the future team captain, started putting up flyers to recruit players. Shortly thereafter, on Nov. 17, 1971, roughly fifty girls showed up in the reserved practice gym in the coliseum. On Dec. 2, selections were made from tryouts, and sixteen girls remained to become Tech's first club women's basketball team.  

That first season presented numerous financial challenges for Lee and her friends – including no chances to play at Tech's home court – but they never stopped having fun.  

"We played basketball because we simply loved basketball. There were no scholarships. We had to buy our own uniforms, transportation, and on-the-road meals. With the team not being in the budget this year, that meant we couldn't play any home games and relied on spending the night at people's homes." 

In addition, the rules for women's basketball changed that year. No longer did six women play on the court, but just five like the men.  

Despite the obstacles and an overall 3-5 record, the close-knit group earned campus recognition and momentum heading into year two. Thanks to men's basketball head coach Don DeVoe, the team was able to practice and play their games on the Coliseum floor for the first time. The women also received brand new orange-knit uniforms purchased by the extramural sport clubs.  

Under the coaching of graduate student volunteer John H. Ristroph Ph.D. '76, the women's team secured a consolation win at the state tournament in March of 1973, held at Madison College (now JMU). The team proudly received their first trophy, and sophomore Cindy Smith was chosen for the All-Star team, winning a medal. 

"It was pretty exciting," Lee recalled. "We got a lot of press in the Blacksburg newspaper and Virginia Tech Collegiate Times." 

She graduated in 1975, just two years before Virginia Tech awarded its first women's basketball scholarship to Helena Flannagan. Through hard work and perseverance, Lee and her teammates laid out the groundwork for the program's new era. What began as a grassroots club sport with no scholarships began to transform into the now-nationally respected powerhouse that draws sellout crowds and top talent.  

The pioneering club team has since remained closely connected to the university and its athletic programs.  

"I will always have a strong love for Virginia Tech and my former teammates,” Lee emphasized. “We have stayed in touch – still message each other via Facebook when games are happening. It's been phenomenal for us to see the sellouts and the way Blacksburg has become so supportive of women's basketball." 

Decades after her playing days, she still gets goosebumps when entering Cassell Coliseum. Lee eagerly anticipates reuniting with her teammates during the Feb. 1 weekend to celebrate 50 seasons of varsity women's basketball and watch the intense Virginia Tech-Virginia rivalry matchup.  

Fans can share in the excitement, too. To commemorate this milestone, Virginia Tech is offering a special 50 Seasons Celebration pack that includes two tickets to the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash and two commemorative “50 Seasons” glassware items for just $50. For more information on the season-long festivities, visit the 50 Seasons of Women’s Basketball website.