You're in the right place if you are interested in women's firsts in sport. This article highlights women who have made history in sports, from Michele Roberts leading the NFL's coaching staff to Simone Manuel winning seven world championship medals. This article also explores the history of Title IX. It is the 1972 Education Act that allowed women athletes to enter the sport.
Title IX of Education Act of 1972 opened up possibilities for women athletes
Title IX of 1972's Education Amendments included a prohibition on discrimination based upon sex in federally financed educational institutions. The goal was to combat biases against female students. The act was an important step towards equal participation of women, even though not all schools followed it.
Over half of college students are now women. Intercollegiate sports participation among women has only recently caught up to that of men. In fact, women didn't match the number of men in college sports until 2005-2006. Since then, the number of women participating in sports has risen dramatically. More than 3.4 Million high school girls are involved in athletics. And more than 215,000 women participate at the collegiate level. Title IX now allows women to play more sports than ever.
Simone Manuel became first woman to win seven gold medals at one world championship
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 strong force in the sport. Her efforts helped Team USA secure a bronze award in the 400 meter freestyle relay. She is currently an ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation and champions increased diversity in the sport.
Manuel's success at the World Championships is particularly impressive because she broke several records. 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 visited her doctor to learn more about the disease. She was forced to take three weeks off swimming.
Michele Roberts is the first woman in a major professional sport union to be led by a woman
Michele Roberts is the first female to lead a major professional association in professional sport. At the time she applied, she was considered a long shot. She had never worked in labor relations or been involved in sports. Yet, her background in the legal field gave her a leg up.
Roberts was first elected to her position by the NBPA's executive committee in 2014. Roberts previously worked in Washington, D.C., as a trial lawyer. She was skilled in complex civil litigation, white collared criminal cases, administrative proceedings, and other areas. She is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and lectures frequently on litigation and trial topics around the country.
Jen Welter became first woman to serve as a member on an NFL coaching staff
Jen Welter was a running back for Texas Revolution. She is now the special-teams coach for Arizona Cardinals. She is also the first women to coach in a men's professional football league. Welter's goal is to promote football among women. After her playing career, Welter helped create camps for girls and women such as the GRRRidiron Football Camp. She has also launched a program for young people in underserved communities.
While she wasn't seeking to be the first woman to coach in the NFL, Welter was already well 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. She is an excellent example of a coach who values authenticity and teamwork.