After seeing the amazing game between the US Womens team and France on the way to the World Cup Soccer finals, I have to admit to being a little bit envious.
When I was in school, there were no women’s sports programs. In the spring of my senior year Title IX went into effect at my small high school (a total of 110 students from freshmen through seniors). So we were able to try out for track and field, and have a taste of the pursuit of physical and mental skills and the experience of competition.
Title IX is the law that states that, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…”
My daughter Maureen, now 31 years old, benefited from Title IX as she played volleyball and soccer in junior high and high school.
So, as I watch the US National team facing Japan in the title game this weekend, I’ll be cheering not only for the US Womens team, but for Title IX, which helped make it possible.
Go US Women!
