Celebrating Women in Sports

This Wednesday, The State University of New York at Buffalo will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day for the 25th year. Because of this, we turn our attention this week towards the progress made by females in sports and the change that is still to come. As a Division One female athlete, I believe this day is a cause for celebration and planning for continued progress. Title IX has allowed females so much more freedom in the athletic world, but like any major systemic change, it has not elevated us to a level equal to that of our male counterparts. Despite Title IX being passed into law in June of 1972, some major changes in the athletic community have only been enacted in recent years.

In honor of our progress, and in order to ensure we continue to move in the proper direction, I did some research on statistics comparing several aspects of female and male athletics. One winning statistic for female athletes is that the gap in scholarships received by males and females is closing. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation website, collegiate women receive 45% of athletic scholarships while males receive 55%. Although the ladies competing in college are beginning to earn what they deserve, some collegiate women are not earning nearly as much as men in the same field. Female coaches across the country make much less than coaches of the opposite gender. Although they work just as hard, their efforts are not always rewarded financially. On average, a male head coach of an NCAA Division I-A team will earn $932,700 more than a female head coach. Knowing these numbers, it is important to reflect upon this and work to make sure the women who lead and inspire us are not slighted due to their gender.

It’s not just sports on the collegiate level that are taking a while to change, despite years of efforts from hard-working women. As far as professional sports go, Wimbledon began offering equal prize money to  both genders just 8 years ago! Despite some remaining injustices, women in sports revel in the victories in equality that we have earned. Female in athletics are optimistic that positive change will continue. The Women’s Sports Foundation recommends attending women’s sporting events, supporting companies that advocate for women, encouraging young ladies to participate in sports, and becoming an advocate yourself in order to to facilitate this change. Women in sports have made great strides, and we at The State University of New York at Buffalo immensely appreciate those who have and continue to work for this change. Being competitive athletes, though, we believe that there is always room for improvement and are willing to work to continue to the change that our predecessors have begun for us.

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