Because of Title IX: Portia Hoeg

Director of Athletics and Recreation, Allegheny College

Finish this sentence: “Because of Title IX,”

I grew up seeing female leadership as a normal expectation.

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 would not be where I am today without Title IX and the numerous women (and men) that championed other women to help them ascend up the athletics career ladder. Whether it was an opportunity to be a Texas girls' basketball state champion or DIII student athlete or NCAA internship and grant recipient, I am grateful for my athletic and career experiences born from the sacrifices and foundation built by others.

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

My mom was my first basketball coach. I have worked at three different institutions before becoming an athletic director, and each school had a female athletic director and strong female senior leadership. They all championed me personally and professionally to do whatever I set my mind to and beyond.

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

Being a positive influence and leading by example. As a new mom, showing my student-athletes that you can have a family while pursuing a demanding career that you love. I also make sure that our female sports get just as much focus and publicity as our male sports.

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

There is a quote on my computer: "'I can't' are two words that have never been in my vocabulary. I believe in me more than anything in this world!" - Wilma Rudolph