Valerie is not just UK’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, she is also a historian who has shared a lot of valuable information with If Not For Them about amazing women who have contributed to the history of women’s basketball.

She shared some remarkable stories from her own playing days and about the challenges of recruiting to a brand new program with If Not For Them.

“…And now, through this series, I have been slowly learning about all of those who have gone before me. My generation did not have the struggles like those before me, so I'm learning just what they had to go through, so that I and future generations might have unimaginable opportunities.”

“…and then followed the current leagues, I was so excited to hear about this project. I had never heard the stories before. I didn't know anyone who could tell me those stories...

A few thoughts from her on INFT:

“I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to be a part of If Not For Them team as a production assistant. Having a strong interest in women's basketball, having played all the way through college, and then coached younger kids…

With the win, UConn and coach Geno Auriemma improved to 142-24 in the NCAA Tournament. He continues as the all-time leader in NCAA wins, NCAA Tournament games and winning percentage in the NCAA Tournament.

📷 @thenext.bsky.social

Everyone who makes a donation will receive a link to the one-hour preview and the newly produced theme song, written and produced by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Brandy Clark! (5/5)

The first four episodes are in production. The distribution outlet and date is TBD. You can help preserve this important history by joining the team at ifnotforthem.com/join-the-team/ (4/5)

Over 400 women's basketball players, fans and coaches have made tax-deductible contributions to this project.

Veteran women's basketball broadcaster, Brenda VanLengen, is the creator and executive producer of the project and as of March 16, 2025, 60% of the project has been funded. (3/5)

If Not For Them is a documentary series in production that reveals the stories of those who built the foundation for #NCAAWBB, and women's sports overall, BEFORE the NCAA took over in the early 1980s. We would not be experiencing the success we have today in women's sports If Not For Them. (2/5)

Everyone who makes a donation will receive a link to the one-hour preview and the newly produced theme song, written and produced by Grammy Award Winning singer/songwriter Brandy Clark!

The first four episodes are in production. The distribution outlet and date is TBD. You can help preserve this important history by joining the team at ifnotforthem.com/join-the-team/

Over 400 women's basketball players, fans and coaches have made tax-deductible contributions to this project.

Veteran women's basketball broadcaster, Brenda VanLengen, is the creator and executive producer of the project and as of March 16, 2025, 60% of the project has been funded.

If Not For Them is a documentary series in production that reveals the stories of those who built the foundation for #NCAAWBB, and women's sports overall, BEFORE the NCAA took over in the early 1980s. We would not be experiencing the success we have today in women's sports If Not For Them.

That’s a wonderful memory! Thank you for sharing.