The topic of this research is about the encouragement of women’s exercise through the

perspective of basketball in Utah between 1900-1940, which will answer the central questions of,

“why were girls exercising looked down upon in the first place?” Throughout history, we have

learned that men and women had specific duties according to their gender. The man provided,

while the woman was known for staying home and either doing the household chores or

nurturing her children. But this topic is important because it gives history on the evolution of

girls in athletics to where it is in today’s society. The traditional woman has been able to change

throughout the years, and equality opportunity between men and women has become more

prevailing. A majority of this research has been done through local newspapers in Utah. Lots of

information was provided in these various articles by valid doctors, athletic directors, and

women athletes that have helped in answering the central question to this topic. Overall, this

paper proves that the encouragement of girls' exercise, and basketball, contributed to the change

in dynamic and roles and responsibilities of women to what it is today.