You're in the right place if you are interested in women's firsts in sport. This article will highlight women who have made history in sport, including Michele Roberts as the NFL's coach and Simone Manuel, who won seven world championship medals. The history of Title IX, 1972's Education Act, is also explored in this article. This Act opened up doors for women athletes and other firsts in women’s sports.
Title IX of Education Act of 1972 opened up possibilities for women athletes
The Education Amendments of 1972 included Title IX, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex in federally-funded educational institutions. This was done to eliminate biases against female students. Although few schools were able to follow the guidelines quickly, the act represented a major step toward equal participation for all women.
More than half of college students now are women. Intercollegiate sports participation among women has only recently caught up to that of men. Up until 2005-2006 women weren't able to match the participation of men in college sport. Since then, the number of women participating in sports has risen dramatically. There are now more than 3.4million high school girls involved in athletics, while more than 215,000 women playing at the college level. As a result of Title IX, women athletes are now able to participate in more sports than ever.
Simone Manuel became a first woman in history to win seven world championship medals.
The U.S. women's swimming team was in the spotlight last month when Simone Manuel became the first Black woman to win a world championship. Manuel has been a major force in the sport, and she helped Team USA capture a bronze medal in the 400 meter freestyle relay. She currently serves as an ambassador for USA Swimming Foundation. Her goal is to promote diversity in swimming.
Manuel's World Championships success, which included breaking several records, is remarkable. She won the 50 meter freestyle and the 100 meter freestyle events, earning seven medals overall and participating in two world-record-breaking relays. Manuel revealed to Manuel that she had overtraining syndrome. This is a condition where the heart beat and muscles become too fast. Manuel sought advice from her doctor, and she stopped swimming for three consecutive weeks.
Michele Roberts is the first woman in a major professional sport union to be led by a woman
Michele Roberts is the first woman to head a major professional sports union. She was a long shot when she applied for the job. She didn't have much experience in labor relationships and she had no sports background. But, her experience in the legal sector gave her an edge.
Roberts was the first person elected to her position by NBPA’s executive committee in 2014. Roberts worked in Washington, D.C. as a trial attorney. She specialized in complex civil litigation, white collared criminal cases, and administrative proceedings. Roberts is a fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers. She lectures often on topics related to litigation and trials around the country.
Jen Welter was the first woman to join an NFL coaching staff
Jen Welter was the former running back of the Texas Revolution. Now she is the special team coach for Arizona Cardinals. She is also a first woman to head a professional men's football team. Welter has a goal to increase the number of women playing football. After her playing career, she helped establish camps for women and girls, including the GRRRidiron Flag Football Camp. She has also created a program for youth in underserved neighborhoods.
Welter wasn't looking to become the first woman to head the NFL coaching staff, but she was on her way. Arians is male and has made it abundantly clear that women are allowed to coach in the NFL. Welter has the respect and trust her teammates have shown in her as a remarkable coach. Welter is an outstanding example of a coach who values authenticity as well as teamwork.