I wrote the letter so that others could see that standing up for equality isn't easy, but the intrinsic rewards are worth far more then remaining silent. Athletic directors and even other coaches will try to make your job less enjoyable, but how can we stand by and allow societies (the true culprit) apathy to chip away at what historically, women have worked so hard to gain.
Published: December 7, 2004
To Whom It May Concern, … I recently raised a Title IX concern to my administration of unequal opportunities for our girls' programs. I was met with animosity and distrust. It was your Web site that gave me more confidence (and ammunition) to pursue ahead with documenting my concerns on paper and submitting them to my administration. I wanted to thank you all for providing a location (and your responses) to search for support services. Our administration gave in to our request for a soccer class (I am the girls' head coach) and provided one for basketball also. I was told however, that all monies had been spent and that they would not provide updated jerseys to us this year. We currently have had the same jerseys for four years; in fact we were never even given complete home and away sets in the first place. We play through our winter outdoors with no warm-ups or enough balls this year now. I am sure that this is a result of my pressure on them to conform to equal standards. Indoor sports have been provided warm ups, sufficient equipment etc.... Our locker room facilities are a joke in comparison to higher quality boys' sports locker rooms on our high school campus. I raised money to purchase warm-ups, but we had to spend that money on just getting jerseys to even play. I have purchased 15 additional balls out of my own money so that we can have more efficient practices and encouraged girls to bring balls from home to get by. I went across the border into Mexico to purchase socks at a lower price for my girls to complete our uniforms, and purchased gloves for my starting goalie who can't afford them. Even schools' girls' soccer programs within our own district have matching warm-ups, balls, bags, etc.... Where do I stop? This may sound like an odd letter of thank you, but I just wanted you and your readers to know that it is a serious uphill battle we are fighting...... but it is all worth it. My girls had been city champs for three years running until this year. We broke four of our previous soccer programs records for the school. This year we lost that championship and with only one senior this year the year will be rough... even harder with lack of support.....but it is still worth it. I would not trade one cold 5:30 a.m. Saturday practice for anything. I will not miss one two-hour practice outside in our t-shirts and shorts in the cold. I will not wear that raincoat or windbreaker until my entire team has one while they freeze on the bench in their ragtag jackets and blankets. It is worth it. It takes some time, but change does come around. Our kids are worth it. These young ladies are worth it and your young ladies are worth it. I will keep warm knowing that change is coming. All of our administration is being moved to other schools. Other teachers are posting up signs saying they won't support other fundraising until the girls' soccer team has warm-ups. People do take notice…it just takes determination and time. Thank-you for giving me support and for the support you give to our young ladies. Women benefit across the United States (albeit the world) any time we experience success in equality. The fight is a long and hard one, but it IS worth standing up for.
We appreciate it!
Arizona Girls' Head Soccer Coach