GRANVILLE, Ohio (May 9, 2023) – This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a landmark piece of legislation for gender equity.

In recognition of the 50th year of Title IX, Denison University Athletics asks you to join us in our year-long celebration as we recognize and pay tribute to the impact the women of this university have had on the athletic department.

On the ninth of each month from July 2022 to May 2023, Denison Athletics will highlight various female pioneers, former student-athletes, current student-athletes and coaches highlighting their impact on Denison Athletics and their thoughts on Title IX's impact on their lives.

Next up, we recognize some of the current female student-athletes at Denison who have benefited from the increased opportunities and resources provided by the implementation of Title IX.

Tessy Udoh (Fencing)
Q: In your own words, how has Title IX impacted you?

A: As a female student-athlete, Title IX gave me the chance to discover and pursue a new passion. I only started fencing at Denison after taking a fencing class my freshman year. I quickly realized and came to enjoy how both physically and mentally tasking the sport was, so I was excited at the opportunity to join the women's fencing team, which had just become varsity, to continue pursuing this passion outside of the class. Over the past four years, being a part of the fencing team has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. I've had the opportunity to learn and grow alongside a diverse group of talented women from various backgrounds. Through the team, I've formed some of my closest friendships at Denison. Being a student-athlete has taught me invaluable skills such as time management, leadership, and discipline. I'm grateful to the amazing women and female athletes who fought for Title IX, paving the way for me and countless others to pursue our passions and realize our full potential.

Q: Why is it important to learn and understand the impact of Title IX?

A: Understanding the history and impact of Title IX is incredibly important in order to achieve equality in sports for everyone. Title IX has allowed me and so many other women to participate and succeed in sports regardless of our gender, sexuality, economic background, and other factors. It is especially important to recognize and appreciate the work done by people before me who broke down barriers and created opportunities for women in sports.

As a black female fencer, I am particularly inspired by athletes such as Ibtihaj Muhammad and Ysaora Thibus, who have challenged the typical notions of what a fencer looks like and have acted as positive role models for young girls in the sport. Their achievements demonstrate that fencing is a sport that anyone can participate in, regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, or religion. However, there is still work to be done. Racial and LGBTQ+ discriminatory laws and systems continue to limit access to equal opportunities for everyone, and we must work to dismantle these barriers and continue to fight for equality in sports for all individuals. By understanding the impact of Title IX and the ongoing struggle for equality, we can continue to work towards a more equitable future in sports and beyond.

Lucy Anderson (Volleyball)
Q: What does Title IX mean to you?

A: Title IX provides me with the opportunity to play the sport I love, but it also provides the resources for me to be successful. As an athlete at Denison, I have equal access to a high-level coaching staff, a great athletic training staff, top notch facilities, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level. Playing volleyball has allowed me to grow my leadership skills and prepare me for life after Denison. I'm grateful for those who came before me and for the work that they've done as I've been fortunate to not have to explicitly think about the details of Title IX throughout my athletic career.

Q: Why is it important to learn and understand the impact of Title IX?

A: Understanding the impact of Title IX is important because women's sports are intrinsically entwined with women's rights. As our society grows and changes, so do the interpretations and applications of the law. Recently, this encompasses athletes in the LGBTQ+ community. We need to renew our commitment to upholding its protections and fight discrimination in all forms. I will continue to take inspiration from those who created this law as I move into my professional life as it has had such a positive impact on me both academically and athletically. I will continue to advocate for equality for women in sports and beyond.

Lindsey Cruikshank (Squash)
Q: In your own words, how has Title IX impacted you?

A: Title IX has allowed me to participate on the Women's Varsity Squash team for the past four years of my Denison experience. When joining the team my freshman year, we were still a club sport and growing competitively, especially on the women's side. However, our coach at the time, Pam Anckermann, always pushed us to our greatest potential and treated us like a varsity team. It felt comforting to have a women coach who could relate to our situations and who also had to make a name for herself in college squash.

Before arriving at Denison, I had heard from upperclassmen and alumni that squash on campus had been a predominantly male sport and women were not actively recruited to join. Being on a walk-on my freshman year and having personally been encouraged to join the team by Coach Pam, I was happy to hear that the women now had a separate team from the men and were actively seeking new players and talent.

As a four-year player and three-year captain, I have grown immensely as a leader and individual while also having the pleasure of meeting amazing people. The squash team has been a highlight of my Denison experience and without the impact of Title IX, I would not have had the chance to compete at such a high level or have received the opportunities that the sport has provided me. Specifically, being a student-athlete has differentiated me in the internship and job pool, has allowed me to network with other student athletes and parents, and has helped me with my time management skills.

Q: Why is it important to learn and understand the impact of Title IX?

A: I believe it is important to learn and understand the impact of Title IX and its history because it shows how far we have come in the United States to provide equal opportunities for women in sports. Women coaches now typically have equal wages as male coaches and because of this, sports teams are continuously improving their programs and diversity. Additionally, women athletes are now not discriminated against with college admissions and financial aid, which has tremendously helped women obtain both an academically rigorous education and participate in athletics. Therefore, it is important to understand that Title IX has allowed women athletes to thrive not just in athletics but in their future careers as well.