Posts by Kiri Oler

Kiri Oler has been a contributor to The Next as a news and feature writer since December 2022.

WBL legend Pearl Moore is pictured in a black and white photo shooting a jump shot over a defender.

Pearl Moore made basketball a labor of love

November 25, 2023

For Moore, basketball was about two things: winning and a sense of community

A black and white photograph of the WBL team Chicago Hustle shows the players piled on the floor smiling and laughing.

The story of the first Women’s Professional Basketball League draft

September 2, 2023

Ann Meyers, Rita Easterling, Lusia Harris and other women’s basketball legends were selected in a groundbreaking draft in 1978

Angel Reese and Emily Ward present Jill and Joe Biden with LSU basketball jerseys during their visit to the White House.

LSU celebrates title with White House visit

May 26, 2023

‘This team is about incredible athletes, redefining what’s possible’

Merissah Russell, Hailey Van Lith, Nyla Harris, and Chrislyn Carr huddle up on the court.

Louisville fails to keep pace with Iowa in Elite Eight

March 27, 2023

Iowa’s stars shone brighter in their matchup on Sunday night, but Louisville’s season remains a source of light

Louisville guard Hailey Van Lith shoots a left-handed layup as Mississippi defenders fail to contest.

Lost and found: Louisville finds identity, Mississippi struggles with it in Sweet 16

March 25, 2023

Mississippi’s dominant defense faltered against a Louisville team clicking at the right time

Gail Marquis was destined to move women’s basketball forward

March 24, 2023

‘I understand my role was to keep pushing the game forward’

Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) Linnell Jones-McKenney accepts a trophy.

How Linnell Jones-McKenney made her hoop dreams come true

February 21, 2023

Jones-McKenney’s story reads like a myth, but she is a legend

Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis celebrates after the Aces won the 2022 WNBA Championship series against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Sept. 18, 2022. (Photo credit: Chris Poss) (edited)

WNBA figures react to league investigation of Las Vegas Aces

February 9, 2023

‘We honor the rules. If there aren’t any. That’s cool. Just tell us.’

Lisa Thomas poses with ring and commemorative ball honoring her 2018 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame induction.

How Lisa Thomas grew from well-rounded athlete to well-rounded human

January 27, 2023

Thomas blazed a trail uniquely her own, propping the door open for women in three arenas where the door is too frequently closed

UConn's Aaliyah Edwards drives to the basket against a Florida State defender.

Concerning trend of injury woes leaves UConn unable to compete

January 7, 2023

Due to injuries, UConn fails to meet the minimum number of active players required by the BIG EAST