It seems the only venue clinging to the illusion of surprise at the existence of women is college athletics. Welcome to the world of 'Lady' teams. That 'Lady' nicknames persist, and that some very strong women defend them says much about the continuing muddled condition of collegiate women's athletics and of women in general. At San Francisco, the men's team is called the Dons. A Don is a Spanish nobleman.
Some colleges tinker with nicknames to avoid being silly or tasteless.
We have the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Cowgirls, the Massachusetts Minutemen and Minutewomen, the Montana Grizzlies and Lady Griz. Ultimately, though, that argument isn't enough. A team's nickname does not apply to a single sports program, but to all. It's time to deep-six the outdated Lady names, starting in middle and high schools. I don't have near the arms now that I had my first 20 years.