St. Archangel Michael Church Serbian Eaglettes women’s basketball team

Sports were extremely popular in Southeast Chicago. Many immigrant groups played sports that were not common in the “old country” as ways to integrate into their new communities. Sports teams might be sponsored by churches, schools, local organizations, politicians, mills, or taverns. This women’s basketball team was sponsored by St Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox church. Churches often used athletic teams to encourage regular church attendance and participation by younger members of the congregation. Ethnic groups who did not usually mix socially might come together on the athletic field. Sometimes it was in competition against other groups, but sometimes it was as teammates, especially during high school athletics. In such instances, it didn’t matter what language was spoken or which church one attended, as long as you could pitch, punch, bat, run for a touchdown, shoot a jumper, or add your athletic skills to a team.