Because of Title IX: Julie Muller

Associate, 3 Fold Group /// Retired Commissioner, North Atlantic Conference

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

I have been allowed to develop and to become the person I was intended to be. I have no doubt that my path, as imperfect as it has been, would have had many more walls to climb rather than bridges to cross, without Title IX.

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

It’s impossible to distinguish my opportunities from Title IX’s impact, at least once I arrived in high school in the fall of 1979. Having attended Catholic grammar school, my only opportunity to play sports had been one day a week phys ed and an annual CYO track meet. I didn’t even realize I was an athlete, and the first field hockey game I saw was the first one in which I competed; it was a life-changing moment for me.

While I reaped the significant benefits of Title IX, I also experienced the backwards steps from the Grove City decision while I was in college. While my team was selected to compete in the newly sponsored NCAA DIII championships in 1984 and 1986, the experience was not the same as what was being provided to men at that time. The team travelled the two-plus hours to the competition site the day of the game, returned home to campus that night to get back in the vans to head down for game two the next day. Don’t get me wrong, we were grateful for the opportunity (even didn’t mind washing our own uniforms in between contests) but our treatment was different from the men, even if we didn’t recognize it at the time. Fortunately, the Civil Rights Restoration Act was passed as I was beginning my coaching career and we began to see improvements. I think this aspect of my experience has made me more watchful for what could happen (and might happen) if we are not diligent in our work to support and protect Title IX.

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

There are so many women who were my champions and who inspire me to be more today; my high school coach, Chris Holden, who convinced me that I could play in college and helped me find an academic scholarship to make it possible; my college coach, Hallie Cohen, who juggled 3 sports, pushed us to our limits, and gave me my first opportunity to serve as her assistant coach. Honestly, the list could go on (and on and on) ... 

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

I have been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to commit professional energy and time to advancing women in athletics. Serving on the Gender Equity Task Force has been a treasured honor, and I am hopeful our work will bear fruits for the next generation. My membership in and service to Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA) has given me access to thought leaders and pioneers in college sport, and I try to use that knowledge and wisdom in my teaching of future coaches and administrators. Significant steps (in my view) to ensuring future movement include knowing the past and understanding Title IX. I take seriously my responsibility to ensure the next generations that I work with and knowing the facts.

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

You are as good as they think you are. #knowyourworth