BASKETBALL

From the archives: Photos of Iowa basketball legend Molly Bolin

Des Moines Register
Larry Bird and Molly Bolin starred in some basketball educational videos together.
Larry Bird and Molly Bolin starred in some basketball educational videos together.
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From 1979: Iowa Cornets basketball players, from left, Connie Kunzmann, Mollie Bolin, Nancy Rutter and Tanya Crevier.
From 1979: Iowa Cornets basketball players, from left, Connie Kunzmann, Mollie Bolin, Nancy Rutter and Tanya Crevier.
Register File Photo
From 1979: Molly Bolin of the Iowa Cornets glides in for an easy layup.
From 1979: Molly Bolin of the Iowa Cornets glides in for an easy layup.
Register File Photo
From 1978: George Nissen of Cedar Rapids signs Molly Bolin's contract at Bolin, Rod Lein of Ankeny (back left) and Iowa Gov. Robert Ray wach in the governor's office. Nissen was owner and Lein general manager of the Iowa Cornets of the new professional Women's Basketball League. Bolin, a former Moravia High School and Grand View College star, was the first to sign with the Cornets.
From 1978: George Nissen of Cedar Rapids signs Molly Bolin's contract at Bolin, Rod Lein of Ankeny (back left) and Iowa Gov. Robert Ray wach in the governor's office. Nissen was owner and Lein general manager of the Iowa Cornets of the new professional Women's Basketball League. Bolin, a former Moravia High School and Grand View College star, was the first to sign with the Cornets.
Register File Photo
From 1981: Molly Bolin plays in the Centerville men's basketball league to keep her game sharp and stay in shape.
From 1981: Molly Bolin plays in the Centerville men's basketball league to keep her game sharp and stay in shape.
Register File Photo
From 1980: Iowa Cornets star Molly Bolin prepares to shoot an underhand free throw, then laughs, during a game of H-O-R-S-E with former NBA star Rick Barry, right, and former Drake University basketball player Dolph Pulliam. The scene was Greenwood Park in Des Moines and the setting was a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Bolin eventually won the game when Barry failed to match her shot from half court.
From 1980: Iowa Cornets star Molly Bolin prepares to shoot an underhand free throw, then laughs, during a game of H-O-R-S-E with former NBA star Rick Barry, right, and former Drake University basketball player Dolph Pulliam. The scene was Greenwood Park in Des Moines and the setting was a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Bolin eventually won the game when Barry failed to match her shot from half court.
Register File Photo
Molly Bolin watching a game.
Molly Bolin watching a game.
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Molly Bolin with her youngest son, Damien.
Molly Bolin with her youngest son, Damien.
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After not being offered a raise, Iowa Cornets star Molly Bolin posed for posters to promote the team that she sold for $3 each and kept the profits.
After not being offered a raise, Iowa Cornets star Molly Bolin posed for posters to promote the team that she sold for $3 each and kept the profits.
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Molly Bolin of the Iowa Cornets goes for a shot against the Wisconsin Does in a WBL game.
Molly Bolin of the Iowa Cornets goes for a shot against the Wisconsin Does in a WBL game.
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Molly Bolin elevates for a jumper as a member of the Iowa Cornets of the Women's Professional Basketball League.
Molly Bolin elevates for a jumper as a member of the Iowa Cornets of the Women's Professional Basketball League.
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Molly Bolin grew up playing six-on-six basketball, but adapted to the five-player game to become a pioneer in women's pro basketball.
Molly Bolin grew up playing six-on-six basketball, but adapted to the five-player game to become a pioneer in women's pro basketball.
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Molly (Van Benthuysen) Bolin became the first woman to sign a contract with a U.S. women's professional basketball league. At the far right is then-Gov. Bob Ray.
Molly (Van Benthuysen) Bolin became the first woman to sign a contract with a U.S. women's professional basketball league. At the far right is then-Gov. Bob Ray.
Special To The Register
Molly (Van Benthuysen) Bolin takes questions from a reporter before an Iowa Cornets game.
Molly (Van Benthuysen) Bolin takes questions from a reporter before an Iowa Cornets game.
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Molly (Van Benthuysen) Bolin is inducted into the Iowa Girls Athletic Union Hall of Fame in 1986.
Molly (Van Benthuysen) Bolin is inducted into the Iowa Girls Athletic Union Hall of Fame in 1986.
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After the Iowa Cornets folded, Molly Bolin played briefly for the Southern California Breeze of the Ladies Professional Basketball Association. The league folded after a month.
After the Iowa Cornets folded, Molly Bolin played briefly for the Southern California Breeze of the Ladies Professional Basketball Association. The league folded after a month.
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