By Willie Roberson, a Summer 2012 Leadership Conference Education Fund Intern
If you had a chance to watch the 20th ESPY Awards on ESPN last night, you couldn’t have missed women’s basketball phenom Brittney Griner accept two major awards. During the 2011-2012 season, the six-foot eight-inch Baylor University star led the Lady Bear’s to a perfect 40-0 record, helping her team win the college Women’s Basketball national championship. Last night, Griner received the ESPY for Best Female College Athlete as well as Female Athlete of the Year for her achievements. After accepting her award, Griner credited the opportunity provided by Title IX for her success, acknowledging that she “wouldn’t be here without Title IX.”
Enacted 40 years ago, Title IX has opened the door for female athletes across the country, leveling the playing field for all people wishing to participate in sports. Establishing that that no person can be excluded from joining any federally funded education activity on the basis of sex, Title IX has been monumental to the expansion of all women sports. Title IX has allowed athletes like Griner to pursue their dreams and will continue to foster an open environment for female athletes to thrive.
Check out ESPN’s great video on “The Truth about Title IX”
