Dream On
★★★★★
Dream On is a captivating three-part documentary that dives deep into the inspiring story of the 1996 U.S. women's basketball team. As a huge sports fan, I thought I had a solid grasp on the basketball landscape, but I was surprised to discover how little I knew about this fascinating team. While everyone talks about the legendary 1992 men's U.S. basketball team, and rightly so, this documentary shines a well-deserved spotlight on the women who paved the way for the future of the game.
This team wasn’t just about redemption after their heartbreaking loss at the national championships and the prior Olympics; they also played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the WNBA. It’s incredible to see how they built their camaraderie from the ground up, unlike the men’s teams, who often came together for the first time at the Olympics. This documentary does a fantastic job of introducing us to each player and their unique stories. Sure, I knew the big names—Dawn Staley, Rebecca Lobo, Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoops—but I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the other players and their journeys, too.
The archival footage is a treasure trove that brings the story to life, and let’s not forget about the head coach, Tara VanDerveer. Her presence is undeniably captivating. It’s refreshing to hear how the players candidly express their feelings about her, showcasing a hard-nosed coach unafraid to take on the villain role to push her team to greatness. The drama isn’t just in the games; it’s about how these women held the weight of being the face of women’s basketball and sports as a whole.
By the end, I found myself in tears, moved by how deeply bonded the team became through their shared experiences. As someone who’s recently become more passionate about women’s basketball, I can confidently say this is a must-see documentary for any sports fan. It captures a pivotal moment in time—a visual representation of a team that changed the game.
Now, as I gear up for the WNBA playoffs, which are enjoying record-breaking ratings thanks to trailblazers from this team, I can’t help but reflect on their legacy. Whenever I see a packed WNBA arena, I’ll think of the incredible women who made it all possible. Dream On is not just a documentary; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the game, the players and the journey they undertook together.
