The WBL brought professional women's basketball to the United States for three seasons from 1978 to 1981. As the WBL celebrates the 25th anniversary of the first women's professional basketball game in the United States (December 9, 1978), WNBA.com profiles some of those pioneers of women's basketball and asks them to reflect on how the game has grown since they were on the court.

This week, WNBA.com checks in with "Machine Gun" Molly Bolin.
Next week: Mariah Burton Nelson (formerly Maggie Nelson of the New Jersey Gems)

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ABOUT MOLLY BOLIN Molly Bolin, the first player to sign with the WBL, eventually became the league's poster child despite the fact that she had never played the five-on-five version of the game. Prior to joining the WBL, Bolin was a star in Iowa's six-on-six high school format, once scoring 80 points in a game, and she easily made the transition to the professional game averaging 16 points per game as a rookie. In her second season, Bolin averaged 32.8 points per game and shared co-MVP honors with Ann Meyers.

What was it like 25 years ago?
Bolin: "We were so proud to be 'pros’ and pioneers of the first women’s basketball league. I loved the fans, the press and mostly the friendships made with fellow players. I am thankful that I had the experience that many players before and after me missed out on."

When did you start playing basketball and what were the opportunities available then?
Bolin: "I started in Iowa at about 10 years old. We had a great tradition of winning teams and I had high school female role models. I went to summer camps and enjoyed a successful and fun high school career playing packed gyms for nearly every game and with extensive media coverage. It was awesome. College was not the same at all."

If you were playing in the WNBA now, which player would be the biggest challenge for you to match up against?

Bolin describes Houston's Sheryl Swoopes as a "complete player." Ron Hoskins WNBAE/Getty Images

Bolin: "I think Jennifer Azzi is such a solid, consistent player who shows up to every game with competitive intensity. I would have to be at the top of my game to compete! I also played pick-up games against Cynthia Cooper when she played for USC."

Which WNBA player most reminds you of yourself?
Bolin: "Katie Smith has the offensive intensity I can really appreciate. She has always been a player with a constant threat to score that other teams have to reckon with. You Go Girl! But I guess I would relate more to Cynthia Cooper who played my position and from my era."

Who is your favorite WNBA player to watch and why?
Bolin: "I have always liked Sheryl Swoopes because she represents such a great combination of athleticism and femininity. She’s a complete player and has a lot of class on and off the court."

What is your favorite memory from your playing days?
Bolin: "There’s a ton of them, being there from start to finish, and a lot of things to laugh about. But my own personal favorite was setting a scoring record in a big game that was televised and being mobbed by autograph seekers afterwards. Wow!"

What is the funniest memory, strangest obstacle you faced?
Bolin: "Houston, Texas during the first season, playing for the championship. There was a huge, massive storm that flooded the area of the Astrodome. Water was waist high outside and our game was postponed. Really strange."

Bolin appreciates Katie Smith's offensive intensity. Barry Gossage WNBAE/Getty Images

Who were your basketball role models growing up?
Bolin: "At first it was two girls at my high school who had great jump shots and were scrappy players. As I surpassed their accomplishments then I wanted to be Jerry West – king of the jump shot and Mr. Clutch. I later met him when he was general manager of the Lakers."

Do you see yourself as a pioneer in the game of women's basketball?
Bolin: "Well, I got to play 6-on-6 in high school which was great fun. I was one of the first to attend college on a basketball scholarship and was the first official player signed to the first official team (Iowa) in the first women’s pro league. I also tried to help other leagues make it – LPBA, WABA, NWBA and expanding the WBA just before the announcement of the WNBA."

What is the message you would give to young girls who aspire to be basketball players?
Bolin: "Set goals for yourself every step of the way and be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve those goals. Have a great attitude, a strong work ethic and you gotta love this game."

Where do you think the woman's professional game will be in 25 years?
Bolin: "Wow. That seems like a long time – especially seeing what's happened the last 25! I would like to think that the level of the game will continue to rise, establishing the sport as major sports entertainment with huge public support."