Title IX : The 50th Anniversary
Passed in 1972, Title IX has changed the landscape and opportunities for women in athletics, at all levels. While some institutions, including DePaul, highlighted women in sports long before official legislation, Title IX provided specific guidelines that offered equitable access to resources and safety across federally funded institutions. Since the 1970's, we have come a long ways to make collegiate sports more equitable.
Title IX was integral to uplifting the visibility of female identifying athletes at DePaul and offered a tangible framework for institutional accountability, gender equity and inclusion. Reflecting on the experiences of women at DePaul creates space to reckon with our institutional past and to remember the work of gender equity and advancement.
Title IX Content
The impact of Title IX on college sports, and in Chicago at DePaul, is constantly growing and evolving. Stories from coaches, student-athletes and fans show the importance of equity and opportunity within athletics.
The Mabel Landry Staton Story
Mabel Landry Staton is arguably the greatest athlete to ever attend DePaul. It was unfortunate that during her time in Lincoln Park in the early 1950s, there was no Blue Demon women's track and field program. Here's her story.
Title IX History : Jill Hollembeak
DePaul executive associate athletics director, Jill Hollembeak, has a storied past in the athletics world. As a world champion tumbler, Hollembeak has starred as an athlete and a staff member during her impactful career. With a deep-dive into her experience, and the impact of Title IX on so many at DePaul, the importance of the legislation was displayed.
Coach Stephanie Williams x Kiersten Walker - Walk and Talk
DePaul Track & Field assistant coach Stephanie Williams rose through the ranks of the Chicago track scene to lead others in her role at DePaul. As a standout sprinter at Lane Tech, Williams left her mark before becoming a leader on the Blue Demons track team. Williams spoke with current student-athlete Kiersten Walker about her background and the importance of leading others and setting an example.
In Their Own Words
Yuliya Kizelbasheva and Aspasia Avgeri, DePaul women's tennis student-athletes, shared their stories of growing up playing sports outside of the United States. Kizelbasheva and Avgeri recalled stories that showed the special commitment and dedication they needed to exhibit to make it to the collegiate level. The pair are two of the highest-performing Blue Demons on and off of the court, since they've arrived in Chicago.
NBC Chicago - 37 Words
DePaul women's basketball head coach Doug Bruno was featured in NBC 5's feature, 37 Words. The special news package highlighted the impact of Title IX on athletes in Chicago and nationally, since the legislation was passed back in 1972. Bruno, who was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in early June, has made served as a champion and advocate for the game of women's basketball in the city of Chicago for more than four decades.
Into the Archives
DePaul University completed a deep dive with perspective on how Title IX changed the landscape at DePaul. As a university, DePaul was one of the first institutions to offer athletic opportunities to girls and women. More than 50 years later, the effort to amplify and promote women's sports is only getting stronger and stronger.