The endorsements below are for Jane Gottesman’s 2001 book, Game Face: What Does a Female Athlete Look Like? It was published before the ‘woke’ transgender stampede. Keep in mind that not a single house Democrat voted to protect the sanctity of sports for biological women.

Before the Stampede

“Whether you’re from the generation of drum majorettes or Title IX, the athletes of Game Face will inspire you. For women to become strong is a deep part of the revolution.”
—Gloria Steinem

“A powerful image seizes a moment in time and yet tells a story of a lifetime. There is no better proof of this then Jane Gottesman’s Game Face. Game Face captures the essence of being a female athlete. And it also does much more. It shows that sport unites us all because it belongs to us all.”
—Anita L. DeFrantz, International Olympic Committee First Vice President

“Game Face is a first. Together these photographs give a face to the critical mass of people who have made women’s sports part of the popular landscape.”
—Billie Jean King

“Game Face is a tribute to the beauty of competition, to the dedication, skill and enthusiasm female athletes are finally encouraged to display. Every one of these women is a winner and so is each of the photographs.”
—Dick Schaap, ABC Sports

“Inspiring! Game Face is proof that a picture is worth a thousand words. This book looks at women’s sports from a refreshing perspective. Talk about feeling empowered—I’ve got my Game Face on!”
—Robin Roberts, ESPN anchor

How About Today?

Hmmm… what do you say we interview these endorsers today and catch them in their own hypocrisy?

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As a University of Connecticut alumnus, naturally I was aware two years ago of the phenomenal freshman season of Paige Bueckers. I had never seen a female basketball player, that good, that young. It seemed as if there was nothing that she couldn’t do on the court. Like many other fans, I was swept up in the team’s entire season, and was a bit disappointed when they got knocked out in the final four. Still, their accomplishments were many.

This year, another player has emerged who, perhaps, exceeds the prowess of Paige Bueckers. Caitlin Clark, as everyone now knows, has lead her team to the finals of the NCAA tournament. She had been good at an early age, playing against her brothers, then making most of the U.S. youth teams which played abroad.

When she entered college she was slight of build, but still a remarkable talent. She could score from almost anywhere, and she passed with the precision of Sue Bird.

You Work Hard, You Get Better

Over last summer, I’m told, she worked out extensively in the weight room building up her body and her stamina. It paid off. She was just named AP Player of the Year, and is the first woman in basketball history to score 41 points in consecutive games, and deep in the NCAA tournament. At the University of Iowa (!) of all places, seeing her lift up her team of decent but not extraordinary athletes is, in ways, miraculous.

What is the difference for me between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark? Paige Bueckers is extremely talented, but I personally draw inspiration from Caitlin Clark. Although I am decades older than she, watching her makes me want to be a better athlete. As she does things on the court that don’t seem possible, it makes me believe that I can be better at swimming, basketball, running, pickle ball, aerobics, and anything else in which I engage.

So, thank you Caitlin Clark, for whatever it is you do that creates a magical feeling among those who watch you. It certainly has happened to me.

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