By Laken Litman
FOX Sports Writer
Editor’s Note: This story is part of FOX Sports’ series commemorating the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which was enacted into law June 23, 1972. The series tells the stories of significant women in sports today, both celebrating the progress that has been made and recognizing the barriers that still remain.
When I spoke with Tara VanDerveer for a recent story, the legendary Stanford women’s basketball coach said something that we all know but that can’t be repeated enough.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of Title IX, I had asked her what she thinks we all need to do to ensure women’s sports keep moving in the right direction.
“I think it’s the job of parents with younger children, the job of coaches, athletic directors and conference commissioners. It’s one of the biggest challenges in the media,” VanDerveer said. “There’s not the same coverage of girls’ and women’s sports that there is for boys’ and men’s sports. Every day, there needs to be articles about women playing sports, whether it’s professional soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball.
“Young girls need these role models and heroines to aspire to.”
Tara VanDerveer has led Stanford to three national championships, 13 Final Fours and 14 Pac-12 Tournament titles….
