All American Red Heads: The Pioneers of Professional Women's Basketball
Long before the modern era of professional sports leagues, a group of trailblazing athletes redefined the possibilities for women in athletics. The All American Red Heads hold the distinction of being the first professional women's basketball team, bringing high-energy competition and skill to audiences across the United States for five decades.
The Origins of a Barnstorming Legacy
Founded in 1936 by C. M. "Ole" Olson—who also established Olson's Terrible Swedes—the All American Red Heads were a barnstorming team. Barnstorming refers to the practice of touring and playing exhibition games in various towns and cities to earn a living. The team's unique name was inspired by Olson's wife, a beauty salon owner in the South.
Unlike many women's games of the era, the Red Heads played by men's rules, a decision that contributed to their immense popularity with crowds. Their success as an exhibition act was so significant that it led to the creation of two sister teams: the Ozark Hillbillies and the Famous Red Heads.
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Star Players and Early Achievements
The team attracted some of the finest talent of the time, including Geneva (Jean) and Jo Langerman. The twin daughters of "Mama" Langerman, a beautician, the sisters were basketball prodigies in Iowa. They led three different teams to the state tournament, securing a third-place finish in Whittemore in 1931 and winning state championships in Parkersburg and Hampton in 1932 and 1933.
After high school, the Langerman twins won a national championship with an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team in 1934 before joining the All American Red Heads. Their contributions to the sport earned them induction into the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Orwell Moore Era and Expansion
In 1948, high school coach Orwell Moore began coaching two of the teams and eventually purchased them. Under his leadership, the teams featured AAU All-American stars such as Peggy Lawson, Kay Kirkpatrick, and Hazel Walker, as well as other notable players like Willa “Red” Mason, Johnny Farley, Barb Hostert, Jolene Ammons, and Cheryl Clark. Lorene “Butch” Moore, Orwell's wife, was also a standout player for the team.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the organization expanded to three touring teams. The players were not only competitors but also mentors; during the off-season, they taught basketball to girls. Orwell Moore furthered this mission by establishing Camp Courage, a dedicated basketball camp for girls. Eventually, players like Charlotte Adams, Glenda Hall, Kay O'Bryan, and Jolene Ammons transitioned into player-coach roles.
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The Rigors of the Road
The life of a Red Head was one of constant travel and intense competition. A typical season ran from October to late April or early May. During this window, the teams played approximately 200 games, traveling over 60,000 miles (97,000 km) by car to reach their destinations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1936 by C. M. "Ole" Olson |
| Active Period | 1936 – 1986 |
| Gameplay Style | Played by men's rules |
| Seasonal Travel | ~200 games and 60,000+ miles by car |
| Associated Teams | Ozark Hillbillies, Famous Red Heads |
Key Facts
- The All American Red Heads were the first professional women's basketball team.
- They operated as a barnstorming exhibition act for 50 years, ending in 1986.
- The team was known for playing by men's rules to increase audience appeal.
- Jean and Jo Langerman were early stars and Iowa state champions before joining the team.
- Orwell Moore expanded the organization and founded Camp Courage for girls.
- Players traveled roughly 60,000 miles per season to play 200 games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the All American Red Heads?
The team was founded in 1936 by C. M. "Ole" Olson, who also founded Olson's Terrible Swedes.
Why was the team called the "Red Heads"?
The name was derived from C. M. Olson's wife, who owned several beauty salons in the southern United States.
How did the Red Heads differ from other women's teams of the time?
They played by men's rules, which helped them become a smash success with their audiences as an exhibition team.
What was the role of Orwell Moore in the team's history?
Orwell Moore was a high school coach who began coaching two of the teams in 1948 and later purchased them, overseeing their growth through the 1960s and 1970s.
How much did the players travel during a season?
The teams traveled over 60,000 miles (97,000 km) by car during a season that typically ran from October to early May.