Legacy of breaking barriers for Whitefish girls basketball

Current and former Whitefish High School girls basketball players and supporters reunited Thursday to celebrate the inception of a program that has fostered strong women for five decades.  

“Whether you’re a player, coach, fan or someone who’s just starting the game: Keep this in mind – you're not a part of a sport, you’re a part of a legacy of breaking barriers, defining gravity and showing the world what can possibly happen,” said alum Viki Hileman in a halftime speech at the girls varsity basketball game Thursday.  

In January 1973, a group of students and parents led by Hileman and Meg Muldown approached the District 44 school board about the possibility of a girls basketball team at Whitefish High School. 

“After discussing, they said they could not warrant the cost of a girls program. They said if we could pass a one mill levy, they would reconsider,” Hileman said.  

The group rallied and proposed a petition.  

The board responded and said they needed 200 people to sign. There were only about 2,500 people in Whitefish at the time. Hileman recalled going door to door with Muldown gathering signatures, and they ended up with over 500.  

“We caught the board off guard. And they said, OK, we can start a program,” Hileman recalled. 

Hileman became a phenomenal player and received a scholarship to play at Boise State University, where she became an All-American and studied accounting.  

“It was only because of the basketball program at Whitefish High School that I could do that,” Hileman said.  

Coach Craig Audet was the one who led the team to their first and only state championship in 1978. Whitefish played AA at the time and beat Flathead in the divisional tournament that year.  

“I always said don’t give up the ball,” Audet said. “You get the ball - you make sure you shoot it.” 

Audet said that Hileman was just one of many great athletes he coached.  

To the current team, Audet wished the best of luck. “Let’s get it done.” he said.  

Longtime educator Colleen Sullivan coached the team after Audet from 1978 to 1999.  

“When I first started coaching, there weren’t three-pointers and the basketball was bigger. Things like that changed the game,” Sullivan said.  

In the early years, basketball and track were the only sports offered. Girls basketball was played in the fall.  

“Kids were just fighting to have a sport and be recognized,” Sullivan said.  

Sullivan graduated from Billings Central just before Title IX was passed in June 1972., so she never got to play. 

“I grew up watching my brothers play and I dreamed of coaching,” she said.  

Both Hileman, Audet and Sullivan were present as supporters of Whitefish girls basketball gathered Thursday, showing that the legacy they helped create extends to future generations.  

“Playing basketball is about putting five individuals together as one unstoppable force,” Hileman said. “It’s about trust, communication and having each other’s backs. It teaches accountability, leadership and most importantly, fun. 

“Let’s continue to honor this legacy. Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. And let’s continue to use this beautiful game as a force of unity and positive change in the world,” Hileman said. 

    Lady Dawgs sport custom design 50th anniversary jerseys at the varsity basketball game Feb. 20. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)