Because of Title IX: Jenn Strawley

Deputy Director of Athletics / SWA, University of Miami

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

I am confident, successful woman who knows that my opportunities in sport prepared me to be successful in life.

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 am not sure I can put into words how Title IX has impacted my life. Title IX provided opportunities for me to participate in athletics, to be empowered as an athlete, and to develop into a leader. The opportunity to participate in college athletics has most certainly helped to define me as a person. The lessons I learned as a child through sport and on the softball field at Penn taught me teamwork, leadership, resilience, and how to respond to adversity all skills that have made me a better professional.

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

Without a doubt the first female who championed me and gave me the strength to believe I could be anything I wanted to be was my mom. From the time I was young, she always told me to believe in my dreams, to go make them come true, and that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. It was that underlying encouragement that built my self-confidence and allowed me to follow my dreams.

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

I try and be available to our female staff and student-athletes, lead by example and provide opportunity for their growth and development. At Miami we started a Celebration of Women’s Athletics luncheon to champion the fantastic young women we have in our program who excel athletically, academically, and in our community. This event showcases our female student-athletes and highlights the impact participation in sport has on developing our female leaders.

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

Believe in yourself, listen to your heart and follow your dreams!!

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