Because of Title IX: Jess Duff

Assistant Coordinator of Inclusion, NCAA

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

I never had to apologize for allowing sports to be my platform for being the toughest, most aggressive version of myself.

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 did not truly realize the impact of Title IX and the academic and athletic opportunities I was afforded as a result until my playing career ended. I was left to redefine myself because I was no longer a student-athlete. As part of this self-reflection, I realized that while my playing days were over, my experiences as a student-athlete at Wellesley College would continue to shape me for the rest of my life. These experiences taught me commitment, leadership, teamwork, diversity, and responsibility. Through challenges I learned resilience, and through successes I learned humility. My teammates were my unwavering backbone throughout my time as a student-athlete and in striving to provide the same support for them I learned accountability and selflessness. I learned to accept my teammates’ differences and to create an open and safe environment where those differences were welcomed and celebrated. None of this would be possible without Title IX, and for that I am so thankful.

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

Amy Wilson is the true definition of a champion. Without Amy, I would not have the opportunities to engage in such meaningful work at the national level and to work with such brilliant minds. Amy has shown me what it means to work hard, to be an advocate for women and underrepresented groups, and to truly care about people and their well-being. Amy is not only a champion, but a sponsor, a mentor, a sounding board, and a dear friend who has changed the way I view the world.

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

I think in order to champion the next generation of women and girls in sport, we have to ensure they understand the origin of Title IX and the socio-political factors that led to its passage. Without historical context, we often take for granted the opportunities we have been afforded. I would challenge women and girls of all ages to recognize and acknowledge the legacy of the pioneers who came before us, and that’s something I continue to challenge myself to do as well. With knowledge, comes power, and although it’s the 45th anniversary of Title IX, there is still work to be done, and the next generation should feel empowered to give back and be change makers for those who succeed them.

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

Remember those before you (Charlotte West, Christine Grant) who afforded you the opportunities to #playlikeagirl, and never, ever give up.