Wayland Baptist University Teams Of 1948-82
Inducted:
2019
Player:
Mildred Farris
Alva Jo Fischer
Ruth Cannon
Kay James
Cammy Ethridge
Nell Fortner
Marlene Connor
Ruth Cannon
Lillie Peyton
Nell Fortner
Coach:
Harley Redin
Claude Hutcherson
Cleyon Davis
Dean Weese
The Wayland Baptist Flying Queens from 1948 to 1982 stand as a historic powerhouse in women’s basketball, long before the NCAA or WNBA offered platforms for female athletes. Based in Plainview, Texas, the team became the first women’s basketball dynasty, known for unmatched excellence, innovation, and winning tradition.
Under coaches like Harley Redin, the Flying Queens dominated the AAU circuit, compiling a staggering 131-game winning streak (1953–1958)—still the longest in women’s basketball history. They won 10 national championships, developed structured training regimens, and were among the first to use full-court play and frequent travel by air, which earned them the nickname “Flying Queens.”
Sponsored by Hutcherson Air Service, their story paved the way for the future of women’s sports. The teams from this era were collectively inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Team's Awards & Honors:
AAU Women’s National Championships Won (10 titles)
Overall Team Record::
Wins:
1,313
Losses:
268
Winning Percentage:
.830+