STATESBORO - Georgia Southern has a history of successful athletic teams starting with football in 1909, Men's basketball in the 1920's and the start for the 'Lady Eagles' which began in 1973, the start of their AWIA years. (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) 

The first ever women's basketball head coach was Linda Crowder from 1973-79. Recording an overall record of 59-59 during her years as head coach. Crowder attended and graduated from Georgia Southern from 1969 to 1973 and received her Masters in education in 1975 while she was coaching. 

During her time as head coach their top season was 1975-76, where the Lady Eagles recorded their first win as a varsity program in Hanner Fieldhouse. They finished the season 14-9 where they knocked off Georgia, Florida State and No. 2 seed Berry in the AIAW State Tournament. 

The Lady Eagles also played one the programs top 5 games this season on January 1, 1975, GS 78, Georgia 70. First win for the Eagles as a varsity program in Hanner Fieldhouse.

Playing under Coach Crowder was Pam Baker-Odom (1974-78). Baker-Odom joined the team during its second official year and helped the team get a 48-46 record during her time as a player. Her accomplishments as a Lady Eagle includes:

• Leading the team in scoring all four years that she played including 
• Top rebounder as a sophomore, 10.0 per game
• Scoring 1,533 points in her career, a record that remained until the mid 1980's
• All-time leader in free throws- 443

A few of Baker-Odom's records remain unbroken such as still ranking sixth all-time scoring chart and still holding  the school mark for rebounding average in a season,(17.5, 386 over 22 games in 1976-77).

As a freshman she scored 30 points and single-game rebound record of 25 in an 87-84 win over No. 2-seeded Berry in the GAIAW State Tournament (Feb. 21, 1975). 

Another Hanner Legend from this Era was Trina Roberts (1980-84). Roberts made an impact on the Lady Eagles from the start, she started in all 117 of her career games and was top scorer at GS her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Roberts achievements as a player include: 

• Being one of only three Eagles to record 1,000+ career points and rebounds
• Ranking fourth all-time in scoring at Georgia Southern with 1,710 career points (14.2 ppg)
• Is the Eagles' all-time leading rebounder with 1,269 rebounds (11.2 rpg)
• Also is the Lady Eagles' second all-time leading rebounder with 1,229 rebounds (10.5 average)

During her time as an Eagle she helped the team record a 79-42 record from 1980-84. Roberts helped lead the Lady Eagles to Women (AIAW) South Regional appearances in 1980-81 and 1981-82. The 1981-82 squad advanced to the AIAW Nationals in New Brunswick, New Jersey after winning South Regionals and compiling Georgia Southern's top record in history at 25-6. 

She averaged 14.4 points sophomore season, 15.5 points per junior season and 20.3 points senior season to top all Lady Eagle players. Turned in three of the top individual rebounding seasons ever at Georgia Southern with a 11.4 average in 1981-82, a 12.0 average in 1982-83 and 13.4 mark during 1983-84. Roberts went on to play overseas in the Australian women's professional league.