The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team recently faced significant backlash after its World Cup defeat. Heather and Joanne explore how the team’s triumphs and losses fit into the history of women’s team sports, from the emergence of women’s basketball at Smith College in the 1890s, to the impact of Title IX, to the expansion of the Women’s World Cup in the 1990s. 

Heather and Joanne also share their personal experiences playing sports in a special “Backstage” segment of the podcast. To get access to Backstage episodes and other exclusive content, become a member at cafe.com/history.

For references & supplemental materials, head to: cafe.com/now-and-then/the-womens-world-cup-title-ix-and-power/

Now & Then is presented by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices