CLEVELAND -- The term is offensive and archaic to some, a sexist, demeaning adjective and label from a time when women were seen and not heard. To others, it defines Southern charm, refinement and etiquette.
The word? Lady.
And Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer doesn't think it belongs in women's college basketball.
"I think it's time, it's just me, but drop the Lady thing," she said. "Let's just play basketball."
When Stringer arrived at Rutgers 12 years ago from Iowa, the women's sports teams at the New Brunswick, N.J., school were known as the Lady Scarlet Knights. She slam dunked that almost immediately.
The Hall of Fame coach feels there's no need to make a distinction between athletes. As a young girl, she played against the boys. "I picked the teams," she said.
"I just believe in equality of people," said Stringer. "Not male and female. I don't think that a woman should be paid less or more. I think that you should be judged strictly on the quality of the work that you do. I don't see a distinction. If we're going to play basketball, let's play basketball."
At Tennessee, the men's teams are known as the Volunteers.
In women's basketball, it's the Lady Vols, who Tuesday night were seeking their seventh NCAA title.
They've been the Lady Vols since 1974, and to Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, it's more than a nickname.
"That's who we're known as, the Lady Vols," Summitt said. "I think our players would be the first to say we don't want to change it. That's who we are, that's how people know us, and most of our players -- (forward) Nicky Anosike would be the first to tell you that we're proud to be called ladies and Lady Vols."
Summitt said she understands those who find 'Lady' offensive.
"I just think within the state of Tennessee and nationally, that Lady Vol logo, is known throughout the country and throughout the world. I just can't see that changing."
