Because of Title IX: Debbie Yow

Director of Athletics, North Carolina State University

Finish this sentence: “Because of Title IX...”

I have had a rewarding career in college athletics as a coach and athletic director for 41 years, to date.

How have the athletic and academic opportunities afforded to you because of Title IX impacted your life? Can you imagine your life without them?

I was not a scholarship athlete, since Title IX was not in place until 1972 and there were few scholarships available in the beginning. Instead, I competed out of love for the sport of basketball, playing with my younger sister, Susan and for my older sister, Kay. Without Title IX, I suppose I would have continued to teach high school English classes and coach high school basketball.

Tell us about a woman who championed you in pursuing your goals. How did her influence inspire or affect you and your career?

Kay led by example, as she was 8 years older and became a collegiate coach first. From my perspective, it all seemed natural.

How are you continuing to champion the next generation of women and girls in sports, and raise awareness on the importance Title IX?

Fully funding women's teams as an athletic director. Mentoring female administrators, coaches, and athletes as time allows. Working with male colleagues to share with them the value of Title IX, so that they are best prepared to become the right kind of ADs.

If you could send an empowering tweet to every woman and girl across the country, what would you send?

#Allthingsarepossible

See all our #BecauseofTitleIX stories here! »
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