The third month of the calendar year is typically the time where the entirety of the sports world becomes fixated on college basketball as everyone gets swept up in the glitz, glamour, and hoop-la that is March Madness.
Right on time for tournament time, HBO Sports will highlight one of the greatest and most impactful women’s college basketball teams of all time.
The hour-long ‘Women of Troy’ documentary directed by Alison Ellwood and produced by Gary Cohen will premiere on Tuesday, Mar. 10 from 9-10p p.m. and looks at the effect Miller’s USC Trojans had on the sporting landscape. It looks at the effect the team had which spanned from its winning consecutive national titles in 1983 and 1984 to the eventual establishing of the WNBA in 1997.
Cynthia Cooper was also a member of those USC teams. She eventually made it into the W as a player and was a integral part with Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson in establishing the WNBA’s original dynasty – the Houston Comets of 1997-2000. Miller was also part of the WNBA’s early days as head coach and general manager of the Phoenix Mercury in that same timespan.
Ellwood is also the brains behind other noteworthy documentaries, including “American Jihad” and “History of The Eagles.”
These women were trailblazers whose talent and charisma created new possibilities for women in basketball and in countless other pursuits.
–Alison Ellwood, “Women of Troy” director
Cheryl Miller, Cynthia Cooper and their teammates left the game of the past behind and created the game we know and love today.
–Alison Ellwood, “Women of Troy” director
Cheryl Miller and her team at USC played a significant role in the rise of women’s basketball, and their landmark contribution merits recognition and deeper reflection. We are excited that filmmaker Alison Elwood chose to direct this illuminating film.
–Peter Nelson, executive vice president of HBO Sports
The impact of Cheryl’s USC teams was on par with what Julius Erving did with the ABA – they took a sport that wasn’t on the map, reinvented it and paved the way for all the successes that women’s college basketball is enjoying now.
–Bill Simmons, founder of Ringer Films
It centers on the 1983 championship game between USC and Louisiana Tech and also highlights how the Trojans were the first women’s college team to receive an invite to the White House – ironically during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.
Miller’s Trojans were triumphant over the Techsters by a final of 69-67 and she was named Most Outstanding (Valuable) Player. She won a second championship the following year and went to later win an Olympic gold medal at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. In addition to the coaching and general manager position she held in Phoenix, she also pursued a broadcasting career with Turner Sports.
She most recently was the coach of the Cal State-Los Angeles Golden Eagles.
Among those interviewed include Miller, Cooper, Paula and Pam McGee who all have their numbers retired at USC. Coaches Linda Sharp and Fred Williams also share insights. The documentary also interviews other notables including Miller’s brother Reggie, Candace Parker, Nancy Lieberman, Kim Mulkey, Juliette Robinson, Rhonda Windham, Geno Auriemma, Doris Burke, Rebecca Lobo and Jackie MacMullan.
