Celebrate Title IX!
On June 23, 1972, Title IX became law in the United States, prohibiting discrimination based on gender in educational programs and activities. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this historic legislation, we are looking at an area where Title IX had its greatest impact: sports.
Watch these films free online to learn about groundbreaking women and girl athletes who defy stereotypes on the field and off. New films and activities will be added throughout the summer.
Join Women and Girls Lead in a Twitter conversation by tweeting your comments, questions, and favorite film quotes using the #TitleIX hashtag.
Women and Girls Lead Films
Meet Beverly KearneyWith more national championships than any other African American college coach, University of Texas at Austin track coach Beverly Kearney is used to breaking barriers. After an accident left her paralyzed, she learned to walk again, empowering other women to live by her motto: "Failure has never been an option." Watch online | |
Meet Brionna WilliamsAt 14, Brionna Williams was suffering from health problems and chronic asthma. Now a 17-year-old senior at Kansas City’s Central High School, Brionna has become healthier and has found success as a highly recruited student athlete. Watch online |
espnW Celebrates Title IX
From Lisa Leslie to Little Leaguers, female refs to female wrestlers, espnW hunted down records, firsts, and landmark events since Title IX's inception. The resulting collection is a clear and colorful portrait of progress.
- Timeline: Moments & milestones
- Top 40 Female Athletes: espnW asks, who's the best of the best?
- Title IX Is Mine: Athletes reflect on the power of Title IX's legislation and its impact on their lives.
MAKERS Shorts
MAKERS is a dynamic video initiative showcasing hundreds of trailblazing women — both known and unknown — who are making a difference for women and the world. The athletes profiled by MAKERS have all overcome bias in sports to excel, educate, and inspire.
Explore their compelling stories at MAKERS.com.
- Olympic champion and sportscaster Donna de Varona
- Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton
- Tennis champion and activist Billie Jean King
- First female NBA referee Violet Palmer
- Champion race car driver Danica Patrick
- Maria Pepe, Little League’s first girl
- Professional soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo
- Champion college basketball coach Vivian Stringer
- Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to enter the Boston Marathon
MEDAL QUEST Shorts
MEDAL QUEST shines a spotlight on “the best athletes in the world” — the elite competitors of the Paralympic Games. Breaking boundaries and records in sports ranging from cycling to fencing to wheelchair basketball, these American athletes personify the grit, strategy, and skill it takes to go for the gold.
Visit the Medal Quest website to learn about more outstanding women athletes.
- Katy Sullivan, track and field
- Alana Nichols, wheelchair basketball
- Mackenzie Soldan, wheelchair tennis
- Allison Jones, cycling
- Greta Neimanas, cycling
- Hand-Ear Coordination: U.S. Women’s Goalball team




