Because of Title IX: Charlotte West

Women's Sports Advocate, Title IX Pioneer, and 2014 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee

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

Many women were able to attend college who otherwise could not have afforded to go. Because of Title IX, many women were provided the opportunity to play sports. That experience, while extremely valuable, was not as valuable on a long-term basis as was obtaining a college degree.

I spent 42 years at Southern Illinois University. SIU is close to St. Louis and, of course, East St. Louis. We recruited heavily in those areas and often in the economically burdened and dangerous projects. I think often of the dozens of young women from these depressed areas whom SIU offered an athletic scholarship thanks to Title IX. With but few exceptions they graduated and are leading happy and productive lives…quite a contrast to their non-athletic counterparts who did not have such an opportunity.

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 regret that Title IX was enacted in 1972 and not 1932, the year that I was born! I did not have the opportunity to enjoy competing in collegiate sport so I have enjoyed vicariously witnessing the increasing opportunities available throughout the last 45 years. It has been fun seeing so many women enjoying their sport participation and getting better and better.

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

When I was in high school, very few athletic opportunities were available for young girls. I was the exception as I played varsity volleyball and basketball, and swam some. I had those wonderful experiences thanks to an extremely dedicated physical education teacher. I doubt if she received any financial compensation for the time and effort she expended to see that we had the joy of competing. She even made all of our uniforms! I am proudly wearing mine…front row, second from the right in the photo above.

Women like this physical educator are true heroes as they shared the love of sport with no self-gratification in mind. Witnessing their sacrifices made me even more appreciative of the opportunity to compete. Throughout my coaching career, I always tried to instill in players a sense of appreciation for the athletic experience provided for them.

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

Until well after retirement, I used every opportunity afforded me to educate people about Title IX. I also attempted to educate them about the multiple benefits that sports participation provides girls and women.

In the years ahead, all of us need to be constantly vigilant in matters involving Title IX. Women leaders in sport should feel an obligation to protect and promote Title IX. If each of us is not the guardian of this powerful federal law, who is?

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

I would encourage everyone to “go for it!” Follow your dreams with zest. Many young women, especially high achievers, like many of us in athletics, fear failure. Really, the only failure is not trying. It is better to try and not fully succeed than not to have tried.