Because of Title IX: Kaitlin Leach

Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator, Earlham College

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

I got the opportunity to play sports. It’s all the women before me that made it a reality. I played three sports in high school, and two sports in college. Some of my fondest personal stories are from my moments competing with my friends and teammates.

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 tough to imagine my life without Title IX - and also the lives of my two sisters. My parents were adamant that us kids (I’m one of five children) participate in as many athletic activities as possible. There were little boys who would laugh when I was in the same running races or lunchtime basketball games and then I would be the one beating them, competing with them. The same mindset has shaped my administrative career. I relish the chance to mentor young female administrators and aspiring female coaches, encouraging them to take advantage of the level playing field and championing the success of female student-athletes.

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

Lisa Goddard-McGuirk hired me at the College of Saint Elizabeth as a fresh faced 22-year-old right out of college. Lisa had been the AD and softball coach at Saint Elizabeth and was looking for someone to be her assistant AD, SWA, and SID. Early on, I faced quite a steep learning curve, but Lisa was there every day, in the office next door, serving as my number-one cheerleader. When I failed, and when I succeeded, Lisa was the first one to high-five me. I learned so much just watching her work with the student-athletes, coaches, and campus administrators over that one year. She got a new softball field and tennis complex built, and brought Saint Elizabeth into a new conference. As we’ve both made more stops in our college athletics careers, Lisa is the first phone call I make when I have a new situation or challenge. I can’t thank her enough for always being there, that natural life coach all of us need.

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

I’ve been fortunate enough to have department and campus support at Saint Elizabeth, and now at Earlham (Ind.) College. The annual Girls and Women in Sport Day is close to my heart, and each year I love when our campus SAAC rallies our female student-athletes to make the girls in the community part of our home events. The day is all smiles, but with a twinge of sports competition! Professionally, I’ve begun training as a Title IX investigator with the support of my athletics director and the Earlham human resources department. I feel strongly about the importance of equality for all students and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.

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

#beconfidentinwhoyouare

See all our #BecauseofTitleIX stories here! »
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Because of Title IX: Lisa R. Thuer »