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

With love and thanks to my own mom who showed me how it’s done.

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.

Some parents successfully coach their children, but it can be complicated and challenging for both the child and parent.

It takes self-knowledge to recognize we need help. It takes courage to speak up. But every time someone does, it makes it easier for the next person.

mama bear (plural mama bears) (informal) A female bear currently rearing one or more cubs. (by extension, slang) A woman, especially a mother, who is extremely protective of a child or children. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Title IX gave more girls and women the opportunity to play sports. So why did it have the opposite effect on coaching opportunities for women?

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.