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Basketball - Denied

Description

Book Synopsis: A courtside view of how women athletes’ identities are policed, on and off the court. Women’s college basketball is big business—top teams bring in millions of dollars in revenue for their schools. Women’s NCAA games are broadcast regularly on sports networks, and many of the top players and coaches are household names. Yet these athletes face immense pressure to be more than successful at their sport. They must also conform to expectations about gender, sexuality, and race—expectations that are often in direct contrast to success in the game. They are not supposed to have muscles that are too big, they are not supposed to be too tough, they are not supposed to be too masculine or “look like men,” and they are not supposed to be queer.

A former college athlete herself, Michelle J. Manno spent a full season with a highly competitive NCAA Division I women’s basketball program as one of the team’s managers. In vivid detail, she takes us on the court, on the team bus, into the locker room, and to championship games to show the intense dedication that these women give to the game. She found, perhaps unsurprisingly, that these extremely talented women were strictly policed around the presentation of their gender and sexuality, especially the athletes who were Black. They were routinely monitored, banned from engaging in certain activities, and often punished for behavior that put their queerness, Blackness, and masculinity on display. Convincingly conforming to conventional expectations of gender and sexuality—from the clothes they wore to the people they dated—was yet another challenge at which they needed to excel. Importantly, Manno also highlights several well-known contemporary professional athletes—Brittney Griner, Serena Williams, Gabby Douglas, and Caster Semenya, among others—to show that fame and performing at the highest levels in sport does not protect women athletes from having to navigate the conflicting and often contradictory expectations of identity.

A riveting portrait of an elite basketball program, Denied will forever change our understanding of women athletes and the sports they play.

Details

Are you ready to dive into the unseen challenges faced by women athletes? Introducing Denied, a groundbreaking book that provides a captivating courtside view of how their identities are policed both on and off the court. Top women's college basketball teams generate millions in revenue, yet these athletes are subjected to societal expectations that often contradict their success in the game. With vivid detail and firsthand experience, former college athlete Michelle J. Manno takes you on a journey that exposes the immense pressure these women face to conform to gender, sexuality, and racial norms. Get your copy of Denied today and discover a deeper understanding of the women behind the game.

With NCAA games regularly broadcast on sports networks, women athletes have become household names. However, the depth of the scrutiny they face is often hidden from public view. Manno's immersive storytelling brings you into the heart of a highly competitive NCAA Division I women's basketball program, revealing the intense dedication these women pour into their sport. From the court to the locker room and even championship games, you'll witness firsthand the relentless monitoring and policing they endure regarding their gender and sexuality. This poignant portrayal will challenge your preconceived notions and shed light on the invisible struggles faced by these incredible athletes.

In Denied, Manno shatters stereotypes and highlights the experiences of Black women athletes who are especially targeted for their queerness, Blackness, and perceived masculinity. Discover how these athletes are routinely banned from certain activities and face punishment for behavior that showcases their authentic identities. From conforming to conventional expectations of gender and sexuality to navigating conflicting identities, the challenges these women face are as demanding as their impeccable performance on the court. Prepare to be enthralled by the stories of renowned professional athletes like Brittney Griner, Serena Williams, Gabby Douglas, and Caster Semenya, who prove that even fame and success cannot shield them from the pressures of societal expectations.

Denied is not just a book about sports; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate lives of women athletes. If you're passionate about breaking boundaries and understanding the complexities of identity in the realm of sports, this book is a must-read. Get your copy of Denied today and embark on a journey that will forever change your perception of women athletes and the sports they play.

Discover the unseen world of women athletes with Denied now!

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