Photo by: Armando Carreno
Celebrating Women in Athletics
4/19/2022 10:45:00 AM | Bulldog Built
By Athena Clayson
On Sunday, March 27th, Fresno State Athletics hosted a Celebration of Women in Sport in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, with student-athletes, like myself, along with staff, Bulldog alumni and community supporters in attendance.
Title IX is a law that was passed in 1972 that "protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance" (U.S. Department of Education).
As a member of the swimming and diving team, my life has changed in more ways than I could have ever imagined since becoming a student-athlete at Fresno State. This rewarding experience is the result of the women who advocated for and pushed these opportunities into existence; and hearing from them first-hand during this event made me feel all the more grateful for my time here as a Bulldog.
Part of the evening's program included a panel hosted by national sports reporter, Heidi Watney, with Olympians, former coaches, and other accomplished Bulldog alumnae. We heard from Barbara Avila, who played basketball in 1969 and then served as an assistant softball coach from 1980-1985. Two additional former basketball players were also on the panel: Yvette Roberts-Haynes who played from 1986-1989 and Sue Hedman, who played from 1968-1969. Lacy Barnes, a discus thrower at Fresno State from 1985-1988 and competitor in the 1996 Olympic Games, rounded out the panel. I was amazed to hear about some of the challenges that existed prior to the passing of Title IX.
Thankfully, in 50 years, we have seen significant progress made and a vast number of opportunities in sport and education because of Title IX. I am so grateful for the bravery these women showed – then and now – and the passion they channeled to ensure equality among sexes.
Through their dedication and perseverance, female student-athletes can now live out their dreams of competing at the collegiate level and receiving an education.
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It was an honor to attend such a celebration and be in the presence of some Fresno State legends. I, along with other Bulldog student-athletes, hope to continue the legacy they have started and carry the torch forward for the rest of our time in The Valley and beyond.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Earlier in the weekend, Fresno State hosted a youth clinic in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, where we welcomed the next generation of Bulldogs to learn from our current student-athletes.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is an annual celebration of girls and women in sport as well as the opportunity for many to develop confidence, learn teamwork, and practice new sports.
During the clinic, children were divided into groups and rotated through stations of swimming, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and golf. Each station had current Bulldog female student-athletes coaching and sharing their expertise with participants. The girls and boys at the event were also given the opportunity to connect, eat lunch and spend time with the student-athletes.
Clinic participants and community members were then offered the chance to attend women's Water Polo, Tennis, and Softball competitions throughout the remainder of the day.
Fifty for 50 Endowment Campaign
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Fresno State Athletics and the Bulldog Foundation have launched the Fifty for 50 Endowment Campaign. This initiative is designed to ensure the long-term financial viability of our women's athletics programs. The legacy that an endowed scholarship creates allows Fresno State Athletics to uphold its ongoing commitment to the advancement of women's athletics in the San Joaquin Valley. The rising costs of education and competition, combined with our commitment to excellence, on the field of play and in the classroom, have created an urgency to provide sustainable funding for our athletics program. By securing 50 gifts of $25,000 or more, the Bulldog Foundation will grow the endowment for women's scholarships by $1,250,000.
This year, the Red Wave has contributed more than $500,000 and created 17 endowments for student-athlete endowments, but we need your help to reach our goals. On behalf of all student-athletes at Fresno State, I ask that you join your fellow fans, alumni and community members in creating an endowment or adding funds to one that has already been established. For more information call the Bulldog Foundation at 559-278-7160.
As a continuation of this celebration and support of our female student-athletes, Fresno State Athletics has formed Women of the Valley, a Bulldog Built affinity group that supports, develops and connects female student-athletes. For more information on this group please contact Carlie Corrigan, Director of Student-Athlete Development.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley'' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
On Sunday, March 27th, Fresno State Athletics hosted a Celebration of Women in Sport in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, with student-athletes, like myself, along with staff, Bulldog alumni and community supporters in attendance.
Title IX is a law that was passed in 1972 that "protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance" (U.S. Department of Education).
As a member of the swimming and diving team, my life has changed in more ways than I could have ever imagined since becoming a student-athlete at Fresno State. This rewarding experience is the result of the women who advocated for and pushed these opportunities into existence; and hearing from them first-hand during this event made me feel all the more grateful for my time here as a Bulldog.
Part of the evening's program included a panel hosted by national sports reporter, Heidi Watney, with Olympians, former coaches, and other accomplished Bulldog alumnae. We heard from Barbara Avila, who played basketball in 1969 and then served as an assistant softball coach from 1980-1985. Two additional former basketball players were also on the panel: Yvette Roberts-Haynes who played from 1986-1989 and Sue Hedman, who played from 1968-1969. Lacy Barnes, a discus thrower at Fresno State from 1985-1988 and competitor in the 1996 Olympic Games, rounded out the panel. I was amazed to hear about some of the challenges that existed prior to the passing of Title IX.
Thankfully, in 50 years, we have seen significant progress made and a vast number of opportunities in sport and education because of Title IX. I am so grateful for the bravery these women showed – then and now – and the passion they channeled to ensure equality among sexes.
Through their dedication and perseverance, female student-athletes can now live out their dreams of competing at the collegiate level and receiving an education.
Â
It was an honor to attend such a celebration and be in the presence of some Fresno State legends. I, along with other Bulldog student-athletes, hope to continue the legacy they have started and carry the torch forward for the rest of our time in The Valley and beyond.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Earlier in the weekend, Fresno State hosted a youth clinic in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, where we welcomed the next generation of Bulldogs to learn from our current student-athletes.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is an annual celebration of girls and women in sport as well as the opportunity for many to develop confidence, learn teamwork, and practice new sports.
During the clinic, children were divided into groups and rotated through stations of swimming, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and golf. Each station had current Bulldog female student-athletes coaching and sharing their expertise with participants. The girls and boys at the event were also given the opportunity to connect, eat lunch and spend time with the student-athletes.
Clinic participants and community members were then offered the chance to attend women's Water Polo, Tennis, and Softball competitions throughout the remainder of the day.
Fifty for 50 Endowment Campaign
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Fresno State Athletics and the Bulldog Foundation have launched the Fifty for 50 Endowment Campaign. This initiative is designed to ensure the long-term financial viability of our women's athletics programs. The legacy that an endowed scholarship creates allows Fresno State Athletics to uphold its ongoing commitment to the advancement of women's athletics in the San Joaquin Valley. The rising costs of education and competition, combined with our commitment to excellence, on the field of play and in the classroom, have created an urgency to provide sustainable funding for our athletics program. By securing 50 gifts of $25,000 or more, the Bulldog Foundation will grow the endowment for women's scholarships by $1,250,000.
This year, the Red Wave has contributed more than $500,000 and created 17 endowments for student-athlete endowments, but we need your help to reach our goals. On behalf of all student-athletes at Fresno State, I ask that you join your fellow fans, alumni and community members in creating an endowment or adding funds to one that has already been established. For more information call the Bulldog Foundation at 559-278-7160.
As a continuation of this celebration and support of our female student-athletes, Fresno State Athletics has formed Women of the Valley, a Bulldog Built affinity group that supports, develops and connects female student-athletes. For more information on this group please contact Carlie Corrigan, Director of Student-Athlete Development.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley'' – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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