During the early decades of this century in rural Iowa, basketball for girls served to bring excitement and diversion in an otherwise bleak environment. It provided a chance for the girls to travel, occasionally to large cities. Playing basketball enhanced the girls' relationships with school peers and teachers and served to bring recognition and prestige to the school. Community solidarity and unity was strengthened through the sports program, and it was supported and encouraged by parents and townspeople. In the rural and small towns, high schools did not place strong demands upon sport facilities as city schools did. Girls' and boys' sports were treated equally in terms of facility use and monetary support. Basketball held an important position in the educational setting and school administrators recognized its merit and function. Contrary to the prevailing philosophy in other sections of the country and in large urban areas, rural and small town schools in Iowa provided the opportunity for girls to be athletes. (JD)