Women's sports have always been big in Columbus. From the youth and high school level through college and international competitions, women win here. As early as 1897 - just six years after it was invented - high school girls were playing organized basketball in Columbus. Columbus is also one of the first cities to be home to a Pro Volleyball Federation team - the Fury.

 

As we approach Title IX's 51st anniversary this June, here are a few notable teams, events and people across women's sports history in Columbus. Check out our Title IX Podcast to dive deeper on local women's sports.

 

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Since 2016, Columbus has hosted eight NCAA women’s championships across all three divisions and national collegiate. Two others were scheduled but canceled due to COVID-19. 

  • 2016 NCAA DI Women's Volleyball Championship
  • 2017 NCAA DII Women's Basketball Elite Eight
  • 2018 NCAA DI Women's Swimming & Diving Championship
  • 2018 NCAA DI Women's Final Four
  • 2019 NCAA DII Women's Basketball Elite Eight
  • 2021 NCAA DII Women's Basketball Elite Eight
  • 2021 NCAA DI Women's Volleyball Championship
  • 2022 NCAA Women's Bowling Championship

 

2018 WOMEN’S FINAL FOUR

Three incredible games in front of sell-out crowds, highlighted by a buzzer beater still getting play in national ad campaigns in 2022. The NCAA Women's Final Four returns to Columbus in 2027.

Women's Final Four 2027

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HIGH SCHOOL

Since 2018, Columbus has hosted 39 girls state championships across ten sports. Three more were scheduled but canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Columbus hosts more state championships than nearly every city in the country. The first girls wrestling state championship was held here in 2023.

 

CURRENT PRO AND SEMI-PRO TEAMS

Our city's newest professional team is the Columbus Fury of the Pro Volleyball Federation. The inaugural season kicks off at Nationwide Arena in February 2024. Additionally, Columbus is home to semi-pro women's teams in a variety of sports:

 

OHIO STATE WOMEN'S ATHLETICS

The list of Buckeye women's sports accolades is too long to list here. From Phyliss Bailey and Stephanie Hightower to Katie Smith and Sophie Jaques to name a few, history-making athletes and coaches have competed here. Most recently, the women's hockey team won its first national championship in 2022 and the women's basketball team made it to the Elite Eight in 2023. 

 

COLUMBUS QUEST

There's no doubt about it - the Columbus Quest were the best American Basketball League team of all time. The league lasted two full seasons before giving way to the WNBA and the Quest won both titles. 

 

U.S. SOCCER WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

The USWNT has played in Columbus 11 times, going 9-1-1 across World Cups, tournaments and friendlies. Their journey to a third straight World Cup title starts July 21 vs. Vietnam. Get the full schedule here.