Because of Title IX: Laura Mooney

Director of Athletics, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

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

I have the platform and opportunity to be successful in my career and life. I am grateful for the women who served as trailblazers and change-agents who allowed me to play, and who made my career possible.

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

Growing up I wanted to do everything my older brother did (Ryan Mooney, who's the director of sport development for U.S. Soccer). This led to me playing all sorts of rec league and neighborhood sports. Ryan always let me play with the boys, and he never treated me any different just because I was a girl. I would argue that this made me a stronger and more competitive person, and taught me to hold my own when I played with the boys. My brother ended up coaching my high school soccer team after a knee injury sidelined him from his collegiate career. His example and influence grew my passion for soccer which drove me to pursue playing in college. I am proud to have been an NCAA Division III (SUNY Potsdam) dual sport, soccer and lacrosse, student-athlete. The skills and life lessons that I learned on the field and with my team shaped the person I am today. Without these experiences or the opportunity to participate I would not have chosen a career in college athletics.

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

My college soccer coach (Lisa Petruccelli, assistant AD/head women's soccer coach at the University of Southern Maine) has always championed me in my pursuit for excellence. She pushed me as a player, and she continues to push me to achieve my professional goals. It was because of Lisa's impact that I chose to pursue a career in coaching (SUNY Maritime). I wanted to impact and teach young women to be the best versions of themselves. Coaching then led to my step into athletic administration and ultimately becoming a director of athletics.

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

I feel privileged to be the director of athletics (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) and to work with our student-athletes. It is a great responsibility to be able to impact the lives of the young women and men at our institution. Our department strives to provide an equitable platform to ensure that all of our student-athletes have the resources they need to be successful. I am proud that six out of seven of our women's teams are coached by women. It is imperative that we continue to exhibit and promote women in leadership positions and to develop these leadership aspirations in our student-athletes.

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

Confidence is key, be you and don't let anyone hold you back.

See all our #BecauseofTitleIX stories here! »
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