Title IX Aftermath

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Cavalier Daily

Cavalier Daily

1974-09-04

Cavalier Daily

Title IX Aftermath, Varsity Sports for Women
Before the Health, Education, and Welfare Department’s interpretation of its controversial Title IX to cover sex discrimination in university athletics, many intercollegiate women’s teams were ranked below intramurals when the question of gym time was determined.
But almost overnight, the imbalance was nearly righted. While the full implications of Title IX remain to be defined by HEW officials, and perhaps ultimately, the courts, most college administrators have begun to supply their women athletes with money, facilities, and leadership at a level much nearer to that of the men.
Virginia is no different. Three years ago there was not one intercollegiate sport opened to women. (The University was first co-educated in 1970.)
The next year a tennis program was initiated and later basketball and field hockey.
A women’s swim team will be organized this winter (women earlier competed on the men’s team).
Barbara Kelly, a 1962 East Carolina graduate, has headed the program wince its inception and now holds the title of women’s athletic director.
She also coaches the women’s basketball team, which finished the 1973-4 year 10-5, including 8-3 during the regular season. After a strong second half of the season, the team was upset in the opening round of the state tournament and later lost by one point in the consulation finals.
Former Cavalier player Lindsay Burn coasched the tennis team to a 5-2 overall mark last spring and the state championship in its first year of varsity play. Both defeats came to ACC schools: Duke and North Carolina.
Only one loss to graduate handicaps the new coach yet to be named for the 1975 spring season.
Prospects for Virginia’s women swimmers are uncertain at this time with the team scheduled to be organized in time for the winter schedule.
The University also offers several women’s club sports including polo, crew and lacrosse.