Washington State Cougar Athletic Fund

Title IX means freedom to me. It allows me to do the things that I love, not just allowing me to play basketball but also allowing me to get an education and expand my knowledge. It gives me the freedom to have choices in life and to participate in programs many women before me were not allowed to participate in. I am not only grateful for this law being passed but also for the women before me who helped put this law into action and spoke up when corporations or programs were infringing it.

Title IX is an amazing display of anti-discrimination in sports, showcasing there is no difference between men and women at the highest amateur sports level. Title IX gives hope to a future of sports with no discrimination. I am grateful for the opportunities here at WSU for athletes and extremely grateful for Title IX.

Without Title IX, I wouldn't have access to the sports I love. And without those sports, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Title IX to me means opportunity. Title IX opens up so many different opportunities for those who previously did not have any.

Title IX provides equal opportunities to all genders so that they may strive and blossom in their sport without the fear of being discriminated upon.

Title IX means that I am protected here at Washington State. It means that I am treated the same as other sports, students, and staff members. Title IX allows me to be the best version of myself, whether that be in the classroom, on the field, or in the community.

Title IX means so much to me. Without it, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so grateful for the trailblazers that paved the way for women like me to have so many incredible opportunities in sports! It’s life changing!

Title IX is important to me because being in athletics give me fulfillment and happiness, physically and socially. Before Title IX, there would have been absolutely no way I could have tried out for a d1 sports team and receive the benefits the male athletes do. It is important for women to not only be able to be involved in sports, but receive the benefits and attention as the male athletes do, and if it weren't for Title IX, I wouldn't have been able to find what I believe to be a part of my identity.

Through Title IX, women were given an opportunity to prove to the world that women deserve equal opportunity in sport and now there is more power in being a female athlete than ever before. Although we have made strides, progress still needs to forge ahead. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today because of how much I was pushed athletically by my sisters and their access to compete in the sports they love.

Being granted the ability to compete at a collegiate level has meant everything to me. Title IX ensures that any athlete has a fair chance at competing in the sport they love, regardless of gender orientation. I am so proud to be a female in sports and am so grateful for the people that made it possible for me.

To me, Title IX represents the fight for women’s worth. Whenever I hear the words I immediately think of all the women who came before me and fought to open doors so that I could walk through them. It also gives me hope that the world is willing to make change for more gender equality. I am excited to see women break more glass ceilings so that the girls of tomorrow can continue to grow in a world that is more ready for them.

The opportunity to have a university experience is like no other. Being able to compete at this level is so fun and challenging and I couldn't do it without the resources that are available to me because of Title IX.

Title IX has allowed me to pursue my dream of a high-level academic and athletic career without restraint. I am so grateful to live in a world where women are encouraged to learn and compete to the best of their abilities.

I could not imagine going back in time to a day where being a female athlete is frowned upon. I think those are the days I would lose myself, and my own identity. Being an athlete is everything to me. It is literally part of every day of my life. I love becoming more fit, learning to respect my own body and its capabilities, and most of all I love to feel accomplished as an athlete. The people I have met on my journey of being an athlete are people that have not left my side, and that I consider a part of my close circle. These people have watched me grow as an athlete both physically and mentally, and I am so proud of how far I have come. Being a woman is empowering all in itself. Being a woman who is an athlete makes me feel unstoppable.

Title IX means so much to me. The women who fought hard for Title IX are the reason I grew up in a sport filled environment and have made memories and friends that will last forever. For that, I am so thankful.