We had just received The Mighty Macs in the mail on Monday, and we decided it would be fun to watch on Valentine’s Day. Since we enjoy based on true story movies as well as sport movies, we were looking forward to sitting down to watch it. I got everything set up for our evening in, so we were ready to go when Daddy finally made it home. It was time for family movie night!
The final verdict? We all enjoyed the movie. During the movie, we provided some background information for Munchkin and explained a few things here or there. Since we live in a time where girls playing basketball (even at a professional level) is not as big of a deal, we needed to go back in time a little to help her understand why many of the things happening were not the norm.
While not everyone will appreciate Cathy’s approach to life, marriage, and career, we appreciated her passion and zeal when it came to her team. There was one line in the movie that stuck out to us… “It’s the small things that matter.” This is very true in both life and relationships.
It’s 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time … and she’s about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women’s basketball.
In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women’s Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.
Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she’s willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she’s just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.
From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school’s Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!
While it appears the Macs don’t have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.
Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing’s for certain: there’s never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!
Giveaway:
I’m giving away a copy of The Mighty Macs to one of my readers. The giveaway is open to all readers and ends 2/28.
