Access to female role models early in my life was a significant factor in my decision to become a director of athletics. I attended high school from 1987 to 1991 and participated in three varsity sports. My athletic director (and softball coach) was Edna Fraser. In her career within the Milford Public School system, Ms. Fraser worked to elevate opportunities for females in sports and education. I experienced challenges and inequities as a high school female athlete and, more notably, as a college athlete. But never once did it cross my mind that women could not be athletic directors. In fact, I think the other two high school athletic departments in Milford, Connecticut, were also led by female athletic directors during my time in high school. The leadership and visibility of these women paved the way for my own career.

Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school that receives funding from the federal government, went into effect on June 23, 1972. Still, female high school athletic directors remain a significantly underrepresented group in the state of Washington and across the country. As I look back, I realize that female leadership, role models, and mentors made both an unconscious and conscious impact on my journey. Representation matters. While working at UPrep for 23 years—as director of athletics since 2006—I have worked with other female athletic directors and our ever-important male allies to do my best to set an example for the future generations that will continue the work. I only wish that I could thank Ms. Fraser in person. I know she would be proud to hear that I am an athletic director and a leader in my state association Washington Secondary Schools Athletic Administrator’s Association (WSSAAA) and within the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). Knowing that I am part of her legacy and that I actively work to advance women in athletic leadership would make her smile.

I see my role at UPrep as leading, encouraging, and promoting all aspects of sports leadership. I lean in to challenge the status quo and the systems that prevent growth, development, and leadership for all who aspire to be on the playing field—as an athlete, leader, ally, or educator. While we have a lot to celebrate as Title IX turns 50, I’m looking forward to seeing what the next 50 years bring as we continue to work toward creating an equal playing field in athletics.