Evolution On The Hardwood – University of Utah Athletics

The winningest coach in Utah basketball history made quite an impression with people around the game, even early on. Gardner, who coached against teams Elliott played on at Boise State, saw something special in her.

“She really knew her x’s and o’s. There was no doubt about it,” Gardner said. “You didn’t want to have a close game at the end with Elaine because she’d figure out a way to beat you.”

As time has proven — 31 years at Utah, 27 as head coach — Elliott accurately gauged a key aspect of Title IX. As scholarships and funding became available, women’s collegiate sports grew beyond regional programs. Female high school athletes had to opportunity to continue their careers wherever they wanted. 

Elliott successfully recruited outside of the region, and as the talent base expanded so too did her win total.

It’s a recipe that continues to be followed. Since Utah’s Elite Eight squad in 2005-06, the Utes have had players from 14 different states and eight countries in the program.

Current Utah women’s basketball coach Lynne Roberts attended an event in Chicago this summer where 60 teams were playing every 90 minutes. She pointed out that such tournaments are now being held across the country.

“I think just more girls are playing,” Roberts said. “So it’s opening up opportunities for more of them to be seen and evaluated and thus recruited.”

And that is a trend that extends beyond basketball. Of the 232 female student-athletes currently on active rosters (including walk-ons) for the 11 women’s sports at the University of Utah, there are 31 states and 13 countries represented.

“By the time I was there, we never really put a limit on recruiting. Wherever you need to go, you needed to go,” said Mary Bowman, who served as Utah’s senior women’s administrator from 2003-14.” That’s why we were able to recruit from different parts of the United States or other countries.”

Smith credits Title IX for opening the door.

“Absolutely, 100 percent,” Smith said. “I know I wouldn’t have had those opportunities had that not been the case.”