Celebrating Title IX, 50th Anniversary

Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX

On June 23, 1972, 37 words changed the game. 

With the passing of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, women were provided equitable opportunities to participate in sports. 

Specifically, the legislation prohibited sexual discrimination at educational institutions that receive federal funding, directly impacting girls and women across the United States — thousands of whom became Crusaders, and countless more in the generations ahead who will benefit from the limitless potential stemming from those 37 words.

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.

In 1972, Holy Cross' first female students arrived on campus, joining the Classes of 1974 and 1975, as well as the incoming Class of 1976. Holy Cross opened athletics participation for women in 1974, with the addition of field hockey and women’s basketball. Today, a total of 14 women’s varsity programs compete at the College: basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball.

Beginning on June 23 and lasting throughout the entirety of the 2022-23 academic year, Holy Cross Athletics will join institutions across the country in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX with a series of virtual and in-person celebrations.

On GoHolyCross.com and on Crusader social media platforms, there will be weekly updates through a variety of media, including podcasts, video features and historical facts and reflections to honor the legacies of groundbreaking student-athletes in Holy Cross’ history and how they paved the way for current and future Crusaders.

Check back on this page throughout the 2022-23 academic year as we tell the stories of trailblazing student-athletes — and how their rich history set a foundation for continued progress moving forward.

LOGOS

Celebrating Title IX 50th Anniversary
Celebrating Title IX 50th Anniversary

The official Holy Cross Title IX 50th anniversary logos were specially designed to accompany all Holy Cross events, celebrations and materials throughout the year. The logo incorporates the Crusaders' primary shield branding to recognize the significant impact that female student-athletes have made on Mount St. James since 1974. 

REFLECTIONS AND MEMORIES

As an athlete, Title IX meant that I had a place in high school to express my athleticism. It gave me the opportunity to be recruited and look beyond just the academic experience in college. Sports molded who I am as a person. For my female athletes today, sports allows them to be a part of a competitive experience where we practice grit and teamwork - all vital to being successful after college. We can never forget the time when sports weren't even an option for women. Nor can we ever take for granted the sacrifices and risks that the women before us made in order to work toward equality in sports.

'SADER STORIES


Each month, Holy Cross Athletics will feature some of our most storied alumnae in our department's history on our 'Sader Stories Podcast. Be sure to subscribe on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts or Spotify to hear the latest stories from our tremendous student-athletes.

Cassandra Clark '02 | Women's Track & Field
Stephanie Okpoebo '14 | Women's Track & Field
Marie DiPalma '02 | Women's Rowing
Meg Galligan | Field Hockey & Women's Lacrosse
Patricia Sutton Thompson '07 | Women's Lacrosse
Stacey Hochkins '12 | Women's Ice Hockey
Megan (Lynch) Hammond '13 | Volleyball
Mary (Fitzgerald) Riley '83 | Field Hockey, Basketball, Softball

SHARE YOUR STORIES

Holy Cross Athletics is seeking reflections, memories and photographs from alumnae about the impact that Holy Cross, Title IX and collegiate athletics have had on their lives. Share with us: holycrossathletics@holycross.edu 
 

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