One year ago tonight, my high school recognized the women who played on the first girls’ sports teams in the 1970s. Over one third of the 150 who played reunited to share stories and think about the contributions they made. As a reminder of how far we’ve come, enjoy the story I wrote to honor these women, while I take a personal timeout.

Check out these two organizations to learn about current issues and efforts in girls’ and women’s sports.

Thanksgiving is a great time to let a woman know she made a difference in your life

Why every girl who plays sports in Illinois should know her name

A few years on the court provided a lifetime of memories for these 12 women and thousands more, thanks to Title IX.

Girls have always wanted play basketball—and for more than 80 years people tried to stop them.

Thanks to Bernice Sandler and all the women who fought for our rights, girls today can aspire to professions their grandmothers could not.

Title IX is about opportunity and respect. Its 37 words are about opening doors and providing protection. For everyone.

If you are a woman, or if you have a mother, sister, wife, daughter, niece, or granddaughter—take some time this month to learn one new thing about Title IX and the challenges women have faced in sport, in work, and in life.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX this year—specifically on June 23, 2022, many thanks are due to the coaches and administrators who faced steep challenges to get girls’ and women’s programs off the ground.

Be one of the first to see my book cover—and get a sneak peek of my story!

Title IX gave us the chance to play the game of basketball. More importantly, it gave us new opportunities to learn about ourselves.

Not all Title IX pioneers are famous. But you don’t have to be famous to make an impact. In honor of National Athletic Training Month, I’m highlighting my high school teammate, Deb Hardel Iborg, who helped blaze the trail for athletic trainers.

Billie Jean King knew from a young age if she became a great player, she could influence changes to the sport she loved. She did that and a whole lot more—because she was all in.

Before the WNBA, and before the NCAA included women’s sports, Lusia Harris made women’s basketball history.

Thanks to Title IX a girls’ basketball team was formed just as I started high school. And while I got to play, seeing a female athlete on television was a rare opportunity. Seeing one in person was nearly impossible. It’s time to thank the one I did.