June 22, 2012
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. - Enacted on June 23, 1972, Title IX states that
no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity.
With the 40th anniversary of Title IX legislation coming on Saturday, the Patriot League talked with coaches and administrators on how the law continues to impact their lives and collegiate athletics today. Women's basketball head coaches Dianne Nolan (Lafayette), Sue Troyan (Lehigh) and Bill Gibbons (Holy Cross) all speak about the legislation along with women's lacrosse head coach Cindy Timchal (Navy).
Watch the video on All-Access or YouTube, or by clicking on the embedded link below. Additional quotes are also included as women in the Patriot League talk about how Title IX has affected their lives.
Alyssa Siano, Lehigh University `12
Swimming and Diving student-athlete, Business Information Systems major, 4.0 GPA in spring semester
"I recently attended a celebration for the 40 years of women at Lehigh Athletics. It was amazing to hear about the struggles they had to overcome as the first women class and furthermore as the first female athletes. They were the pioneers of many of the female varsity teams. To hear about the problems of uniforms, field space, and funding sound foreign to my experience as a female athlete at Lehigh.
Title IX has made a huge impact just from comparing the struggles I heard from women at Lehigh 40 years ago versus my time at Lehigh over the past four years. The events and programs I have participated in from being a part of Lehigh athletics as a woman have been unbelievable and have undoubtedly shaped my four years and my future career. Our athletic program reaches far outside the pool, fields, tracks and courts. We are able to engage in four years of a leadership program that has directly attributed to my confidence in myself in leading my teammates. We participate in many volunteer groups within the Bethlehem community allowing us to influence younger athletes and students by attending elementary schools and teaching the importance of excelling both on the field and in the classroom. Title IX has affected me personally in that the opportunities now afforded to women at Lehigh are equitable for all athletes."
Cathy Foto, Colgate University
Assistant Athletic Director, Head Field Hockey Coach (1989-present), Head Women's Lacrosse Coach (1990-99)
"As an athlete growing up and competing in the late 70's and early 80's, I was fortunate to attend institutions that looked for ways to implement fairness rather than work around it. When I came as a coach, Title IX provided an ongoing guideline for us to refer to, to ensure that things remained equitable at our institutions."
Laura Nardelli, Colgate University
Head Women's Cross Country and Track Coach (1998-present)
"I was running on Syracuse's club team in 1981 when Title IX enabled them to sponsor a varsity team for my senior year. I was the first captain of the women's varsity cross country team there, and I loved that year and how it changed my life!"
Kaitlyn McKittrick, Lafayette College
Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance/Senior Woman Administrator
"As student-athlete, I was fortunate enough to enjoy the tremendous influence of Title IX. Growing up, I played all of the sports that I wanted to and never felt that I was at a disadvantage because I was a girl. The dedication of the women who fought for Title IX and overcame the obstacles that followed paved a smooth road for my experience which I am very grateful for. My positive experiences growing up and in college led me to my work today as an administrator. I am hopeful that my work helps to continue to provide both young men and women the same opportunity I had as a student-athlete."