Belmont Releases ‘The Shoulders We Stand On’ Mini-Doc Spotlighting Women’s Basketball Program

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Betty Wiseman celebrating Belmont women’s basketball’s 73-70 upsets over Oregon in 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

In conjunction with International Women’s Day and College Basketball Championship Week, Belmont University released a mini-documentary entitled The Shoulders We Stand On – spotlighting the history of Belmont University women’s basketball under charismatic and trailblazing leader Betty Wiseman. Belmont became just the second program in history to earn NCAA Tournament victories in consecutive years as a No. 12 seed or lower, defeating Gonzaga University in 2021 and the University of Oregon in 2022.

The documentary, produced by Noah Hanson, captures Wiseman’s upbringing and journey to Belmont, Belmont’s story as a fledgling program in the late 1960’s barnstorming the country, its historical place as a cornerstone program within the sport of women’s basketball and a precursor to Title IX, rise to national prominence within NAIA and NCAA Division I and Wiseman’s legacy through her ongoing mission work.

The film includes never-before-seen footage and archival pictures.

With Wiseman serving as lead storyteller, other documentary contributors include:

·       Hall of Fame Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Byrd

·       Women’s Basketball Head Coach Bart Brooks

·       Assistant Professor of Global Leadership Studies Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel

·       Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Corley

·       Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Renee Schultz

·       Former Director of Athletics Mike Strickland

·       Multiple hall of famer and Wiseman’s classmate Ron Bargatze

·       Former women’s basketball standouts Mattie Spicer Yokley and Conley Chinn

Steven Boero
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