Although the USA Basketball Women’s National Team saw impressive victories in its early years, by the 1992 and 1994 Olympics, bronze was the dominant medal adorning its players (via USA Basketball). This was a concern to many on the team, as they believed any future women’s basketball league could be jeopardized by continued defeats (via Seattle Times). In order to ensure the utmost preparedness, between the selection of its new players in 1995 and the Olympics, the team embarked on an intensive series of games not only across the country but across the world. 

Ukraine, Russia, China, Australia, and several European countries were among their opponents during these exhibition games, with the US players winning all 52 by the time of the Olympics (via ESPN). When the team faced Brazil during the games from July to August, it was a stunning success in favor of the U.S., validating both their training and the potential of female players in America. The gold medals they wore that year not only sustained the then-fledgling WNBA but also inspired future generations of hopeful players.