Pinewood parent Steve Hams was a founder of the American Basketball League (ABL), one of the United States’ first professional women’s basketball leagues. Although he died on Sep. 22, his contributions to the sport helped bring about the start of a new era for women’s basketball.
Initially, Hams was inspired to create the ABL after watching his daughter Lauren Smith-Hams play the sport on Pinewood’s girls basketball team. Smith-Hams, former Pinewood basketball alumna ‘99, went on to play Division I basketball at the University of Southern California.
In 1995, the United States had no professional women’s basketball league. Since the demand for one was growing, especially with women’s college basketball becoming increasingly popular, both the ABL and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) were created. Despite funding issues that caused the ABL to shut down in 1998, the league’s importance and revolutionary impacts on women’s basketball cannot be forgotten.
According to Dean of Studies Laurie Wilson, who interacted with Hams as a fellow sports parent, Hams was very committed to his daughter’s basketball career, especially her dream of playing professionally.
“He wanted Lauren to succeed in her own right and under her own name, and he would encourage her any way he could,” Wilson said.
Director of Basketball Operations Doc Scheppler said that Hams was very determined.
“Hams had a vision, and he was going to do everything he could to accomplish it,” Scheppler said. “Even though the odds were stacked against him, Hams’ work ethic allowed him to be successful.”
Scheppler also said that Pinewood’s 1999 girls basketball team was encouraged by Hams’ idea for the ABL.
“It was really motivating for them to know that the father of one of their teammates was involved in something that big,” Scheppler said. “It empowered them to play even harder.”
Hams’ goal of creating the ABL extended beyond giving current female athletes professional opportunities. The league also served as an inspiration for young women who dreamed of playing at the next level.
Junior Pinewood girls basketball player Caitlyn Kramer described the positive impact that watching girls basketball has had on her life.
“Without female players, I would have felt less confident in my ability to get farther in basketball, and been a bit less motivated to be successful,” Kramer said.
Kramer also highlighted the importance of representation in sports, citing the Pinewood girls basketball team as an early source of inspiration for her.
Without the ABL and, eventually, the WNBA, women’s sports would not be where they are today. Hams’ one idea, one dream, and one vision, inspired by his daughter, paved the way for a future where female athletes are celebrated for their greatness. Scheppler hopes that Hams’ impact and legacy will be remembered and live on forever.
“He was a great man, a great father, and a great person to have in our program,” Scheppler said. “I don’t think he and the ABL get enough credit for being the starting point of women’s basketball as it is today.”
