Playing for Equality

Oral Histories of Women Leaders in the Early Years of Title IX

The right to participate in sports and competitive athletics is more than an issue of fair play—it’s a matter of human rights. In 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments became law, transforming sports opportunities for girls and women in the U.S. Based on oral histories, this book chronicles Title IX’s impact through the stories of eight women physical educators, coaches, Olympic athletes and administrators. They recall the experience of being female in the mid–20th century, their influential teachers and mentors, and their work to create opportunities. The eight narratives reveal gender, race and class inequity in higher education and athletics and describe how women leaders worked through sports to make women’s rights human rights. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.