Alma Blake oral history interview, 1993 October 15
Description
Former player and coach Alma Blake discusses her life-long involvement with basketball. Throughout the interview, Ms. Blake discusses gender and the game as she reflects upon her own unwillingness to participate in high school basketball under "girls'" rules of play. She also discusses the limitations gender conventions placed upon girls' basketball in the 1950s as the belief that competition and strenuous activity were harmful for girls gained popularity. As a former basketball coach at West Charlotte High School, Ms. Blake recalls student athletes, game strategy, her coaching philosophy, and various West Charlotte opponents. She discusses the camaraderie among her team and her laid-back coaching style. She also talks about additional semi-pro basketball leagues for women and tournaments she ran outside the auspices of the high school. Joined by former colleague Elizabeth Randolph, Ms. Blake and Ms. Randolph discuss life as retired educators. Ms. Blake briefly addresses recreational activities for senior citizens in which she participates.
