Title IX Luncheon celebrates women's advancements in college athletics
09/12/2022 | 6:00:00 | General
Hundreds gathered Saturday afternoon in the Banterra Center concourse to celebrate 37 words that have changed the way college athletics have been governed for the last half-century.
Former Southern Illinois players and coaches took the stage as Olympian DeAnna Price led a panel of Saluki legends and pioneers, including a Title IX trailblazer in Dr. Charlotte West.
West, along with Price, Diane Daugherty (Former SIU Women's Golf coach), Kerri Blaylock(SIU Softball player and coach), Sonya Hopkins (Former SIU Volleyball player/Jersey retired in Davies Gym) and A'Veun Moore-Jones (Former SIU thrower/All-American), spoke about advancements in Title IX and also about common misconceptions when it comes to Title IX.
Katie Gerlach, SIU Athletics Senior Associate AD for Operations/Seniors Women's Administrator, said it was a special day for not only her getting to hear from her mentors but special for Southern to get to recognize those that have given back in such a major way.Â
"All six of these women have greatly impacted my life on so many levels and to have them speak to our student-athletes and community was extremely special," she said.
After lunch was provided, Price led the panel of former Salukis as each spoke about not only their time as SIU athletes but female athletes.Â
"These women have shaped the landscape of Saluki Athletics and sports for female student-athletes across the country and to have them speak for our current student-athletes and coaches was incredible."
Kate Hanson, Director of Development for Saluki Athletics, said she hopes the several women's teams in attendance hold onto what the panelists said.Â
"This event was a wonderful example of history meeting the future of women's sports here at SIU," she said. "I hope that this experience stays with our current student-athletes and instills in them a responsibility to pay it forward like those who came before them have."
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