Varsity athletics for women at the University of Michigan began in 1973-74. The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of much positive change, and among the movements that emerged in this era was the feminist (or women's liberation) movement. In 1972, federal legislation known as Title IX mandated gender equity in educational institutions. This, along with the strength of the feminist movement, led to increasing athletic opportunities for women and girls. In spite of a certain degree of resistance from the male-dominated athletic establishment, women's sports at Michigan got started and grew throughout the 1970s.
1973-74: Michigan's inaugural varsity women's basketball team was coached by Vic Katch, a University professor who returned to his faculty position after coaching the team one season. The Wolverines posted a record of three wins and eight losses in 1973-74, playing only teams within the state of Michigan. Following a season opening loss to Michigan State, the team defeated Toledo 43-37 for the first ever victory in the program's history. The other two wins came against Jackson Community College and Delta College. The original letterwinners, in alphabetical order: Mary Borst, Gray Gillfillan, Barbara Johnson, Carol Klomparens, Linda Laird, Kathy Marijonavick, Linda Moody, Margie Rosenberg, Linda Severin, Lydia Sims, Sheryl Szady, and Debbie Vander.
1974-75: Carmel Borders took over as coach, and Michigan finished with almost the same record as in their first season with three wins and seven losses. Things started out rough, as the team dropped their first six contests. They bounced back nicely with three straight wins, and finished with a heartbreaking loss to Michigan State.
1975-76: Michigan took a big step forward in its third season, winning 12 games against only six defeats. Wayne State dealt the Wolverines a loss in the opener, but Coach Borders' troops came back strong with a 61-58 triumph at Michigan State. This was the first time that the Michigan women had defeated the Spartans. Michigan would get revenge on Wayne State later in the season, and they also routed Wisconsin by a final of 84-33.
1976-77: In what would be Carmel Borders' final year as coach, Michigan finished with a record of 8-15. Ten of their losses were by ten points or less, including a painful one point setback against Michigan State. Lydia Sims, perhaps Michigan's first true superstar, wrapped up her brilliant career. Coach Borders finished her tenure with a record of 23 wins and 28 losses.
1977-78: Gloria Soluk became the third head coach in the history of Michigan women's basketball. Her first game was a 71-68 home win over Louisville. The Wolverines suffered through a six game losing streak, then won four of its next six including a 66-45 blitzing of Wayne State. Other highlights of the season included a win against Big Ten rival Illinois and a second victory over Wayne State. Abby Currier led the team in scoring and assists, while Theresa Conlin took the rebounding and steals crowns. Michigan finshed with eight wins and 16 losses.
1978-79: Coach Soluk's second crew boosted their record to 13 and 14, just one game under the break even mark. They had winning streaks of four and three games, and defeated Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Illinois, and Purdue among others. Freshman Diane Dietz paced the Wolverines in scoring, to begin what would be a record setting four years. Yvette Harris, who would later serve as an assistant coach at Michigan, was the top rebounder.
1979-80: After a promising 2-1 start, Michigan ended the decade with an 8-20 season. A six game losing slump in the middle of the season was particularly damaging to the Wolverines' hopes. As had been the case three years earlier, many of their defeats were by close scores and could have easily gone the other way. High points included overtime wins against Notre Dame and Louisville, as well as the team's first ever 100 point game against Grand Valley State. Dietz had another fine season, as did Penny Neer and Diane Hatch.