Who said women can’t referee? Well Bonnie Walker from Sumner has and loved it. She refereed basketball.
Bonnie received her certification in 1972 to referee and did it for a few years until she started her family. She loves to remembering the good ole times, “I can remember the first time I refereed a basketball game, it was for the men’s team. There was a man that stood about 6’5” or 6’6” tall. I called a foul on him and he cursed at me and then I called a technical on him and he was later evicted and had to leave the gym. I wasn’t afraid at all because I knew he was in the wrong.”
Growing up, Bonnie lived at the Worth County-Norman Park line and went to school in Norman Park because the school was closer. She played basketball from 6th through 12th grade. “We placed when I was in the 10th grade and we won region when I was in the 11th and 12th grade.” Her passion for basketball is why she became a referee.
Before the end of her 12th grade year, Bonnie was invited to play with the All American Red Heads out of Arkansas. A nationally known women’s basketball team, the All American Red Heads formed in 1936 in Cassville, Missouri. Connie Mack Olson was the founder and coach. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture website, originally the team all sported dyed or natural red hair. They publicized Olson’s Beauty Parlors in Kansas and Missouri, and though later the team moved to Arkansas, they kept their name. The team became so popular with the sports’ crowds that the team hit the road and successfully challenged men’s teams with their trick shots and athletic ability. The Red Heads thrilled audiences all over the United States with behind-the-back shooting, back-hand passing, and athletic ability on the court. They played men’s teams using men’s rules and won seventy percent of their games.
They are the only women’s basketball team copyrighted and registered in the United States Patent Office and the first women’s basketball team inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Unfortunately, her dad wouldn’t sign for her to join. Bonnie often thinks about the experience she missed, but knows she wasn’t old enough to go on her own.
Bonnie continued playing after high school. She practiced with high school teams. She also fondly recalls working with Coach Ed Parker after high school.
Bonnie has been married to Melvin Walker for 41 years. They have four children, two boys and two girls along with eight grandchildren. Their oldest daughter, Melissa played basketball. Bonnie said it was fun watching her play, following her mother’s footsteps.
In addition to years of refereeing basketball and raising a family, she has worked with Sumner City Hall for 16 years. While pursuing her master’s degree, Bonnie was assigned a community project. In an effort to bring together the residents of Sumner, she helped form the Egg Festival. Bonnie says the event would not be possible without all the wonderful volunteers that have joined since it first started. “This event is my baby and I look forward to it every year,” smiled Bonnie, “and I thank everyone that is a part of this event because it could not go on without them.”
