Early Girls State Tournaments in Illinois – IHSA History

Before IHSA-Sponsored Girls Sports (Pre-1972)

Prior to the 1970s, girls athletics in Illinois were governed by a separate organization: Illinois Girls' Athletic Association (IGAA) – founded in 1941

The IGAA organized the first girls state tournaments, including:

Basketball, Volleyball, Track and field, and Softball.

However, these events were often limited in scope and resources compared to boys sports.

Title IX Changed Everything (1972)

The passage of Title IX required equal athletic opportunities for girls in schools receiving federal funding.

This forced state athletic associations, including IHSA, to take over girls athletics.

First IHSA Girls State Tournaments

The IHSA officially began sponsoring girls state series starting in the mid-1970s.

🏀 Basketball – 1976

First IHSA Girls Basketball State Tournament: 1976

First champions:

Thornridge High School (Class AA)

Winchester High School (Class A)

This was a major milestone because basketball was the most popular girls sport.

🏐 Volleyball – 1975

First IHSA Girls Volleyball State Tournament: 1975

Champions:

Quincy Notre Dame (Class A)

Rich East (Class AA)

This era included coaches like Elizabeth Osborn at Unity, who helped grow the sport statewide.

🥎 Softball – 1976

First IHSA Girls Softball State Tournament: 1976

🏃 Track & Field – 1976

First IHSA Girls Track & Field State Meet: 1976