Don't know the history of the word "ladies" nor do I care. Just noting that I have known of some observers (and even some coaches) that don't like their refs using certain terms like ladies, gentlemen, etc. I don't find it offensive, but they do so I just avoid it.
Instead of figuring out what some find offensive, I have just gotten in the habit of referring to players as "players." If I need to talk to a particular player, I use their number. "Hey 24 white, blah, blah, blah." I can't imagine that I'll ever offend anyone with "player."
Rex-X said it was Women's JUCO he was trying out for so I thought I'd toss in my 2 cents.
I didn't mean to create a firestorm.
Z