[M T]

Second, a lack of player-fan interaction has been cited as a factor in the attendance drop-off. I don't dispute this but do believe it's worth thinking critically about how much we expect of players who are not only full-time students but also young women living in a world where social media and other exposure makes it easy for fans to assume a level of familiarity that isn't there (and may be uncomfortable).

I don't know about WBB, but one of the highlights (that I almost missed (thanks BobK for helping me!)) was the pre-season BBQ for WVB season ticket holders.  At that event, one player sat with each picnic table (~6 fans) for ~5 minutes & then the players rotated.  I think you got about 5 players total.  The young ladies presented themselves well, and you got some feel of what they're like.  That was a manageable fan-player interaction, which makes my appreciation of those players a bit deeper than just a name, number, and stats.

(Since I'm mentioning WVB on a WBB topic, I'll stray further afield.  Did you notice Audriana (WVB) & Kennan (MBB) Fitzmorris waving the big Stanford flags during today's WBB game, as well as throwing T-shirts late in the game?   They really seem to enjoy what they do (a tip-of-the-hat to their parents).)

[M T]

Second, a lack of player-fan interaction has been cited as a factor in the attendance drop-off. I don't dispute this but do believe it's worth thinking critically about how much we expect of players who are not only full-time students but also young women living in a world where social media and other exposure makes it easy for fans to assume a level of familiarity that isn't there (and may be uncomfortable).

I don't know about WBB, but one of the highlights (that I almost missed (thanks BobK for helping me!)) was the pre-season BBQ for WVB season ticket holders.  At that event, one player sat with each picnic table (~6 fans) for ~5 minutes & then the players rotated.  I think you got about 5 players total.  The young ladies presented themselves well, and you got some feel of what they're like.  That was a manageable fan-player interaction, which makes my appreciation of those players a bit deeper than just a name, number, and stats.

(Since I'm mentioning WVB on a WBB topic, I'll stray further afield.  Did you notice Audriana (WVB) & Kennan (MBB) Fitzmorris waving the big Stanford flags during today's WBB game, as well as throwing T-shirts late in the game?   They really seem to enjoy what they do (a tip-of-the-hat to their parents).)