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. The history of Title IX, 1972's Education Act, is also explored in this article. This Act opened up doors for women athletes and other firsts in women’s sports.
Title IX of 1972's Education Act opened up opportunities 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 eradicate biases that discriminate against female students. Although the guidelines were not followed by all schools, it was a significant step towards equal participation for women.
Today, more than half of college students are female. However, women's participation is just now catching up to men in intercollegiate sport. Up until 2005-2006 women weren't able to match the participation of men in college sport. Since then, women's participation has increased dramatically. There are now more than 3.4million high school girls involved in athletics, while more than 215,000 women playing at the college level. Title IX gives women the opportunity to participate in more sports.
Simone Manuel became a first woman in history to win seven world championship medals.
Simone Manuel became first Black woman swimmer to win a World Championship. This spotlight put the U.S. women’s swim team in focus. Manuel is a significant force in the sport. She helped Team USA win a bronze medal at the 400-meter freestyle relay. She is an ambassador to the USA Swimming Foundation where she champions greater diversity in the swimming sport.
Manuel's World Championships success, which included breaking several records, is remarkable. 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 sought advice from her doctor, and she stopped swimming for three consecutive weeks.
Michele Roberts became the first female to lead a major professional athletic union
Michele Roberts, the first woman in history to lead a major professional athletic union, has made history. When she applied for the job, it was a daunting task. She did not have experience in labor relations and had no background in sports. However, her legal background gave her an advantage.
Roberts was first elected by the NBPA Executive Committee to her position in 2014. Roberts was a Washington, D.C.-based trial lawyer who specialized in complex civil litigation, white-collar criminal cases, as well as administrative proceedings before she assumed her current position. She is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Jen Welter was the first woman to join an NFL coaching staff
Jen Welter, a former running back for Texas Revolution, is the Arizona Cardinals' special teams coach. She is also the first woman to coach in the men's professional football league. Welter's goal? To promote women's football. After her playing career ended, Welter established camps for girls as well as women, including the GRRRidiron Fight Football Camp. She has also established a program to help young people from communities that are underserved.
Welter, while she was not looking to be the first woman coach in the NFL's history, was already well on her road. Arians is a man and has made it clear that women can be on the NFL coaching staffs. Welter is an exceptional coach who has gained the trust and respect from her team. She is an excellent example for a coach who values authenticity.