s executive director of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Donna Lopiano, ’68, is a driving force behind efforts to ensure equal access for girls and women in sports and fitness. It’s a battle that crosses multiple fronts, from the community (boys outnumber girls two to one in high school and college-level sports) to the professional arena (between 2000-2002, women were hired for fewer than one out of 10 of the new head coaching jobs in women’s intercollegiate athletics) to the media (in 1999 women sports received only 8.7 percent of sports television coverage).

Despite such statistics, Lopiano notes significant progress for women athletes, thanks in part to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The federal law prohibits sex discrimination in any educational programs and activities that receive federal funds. The foundation is among those leading efforts to preserve the law, which has repeatedly come under attack. On June 11, 2003, a district court judge dismissed a lawsuit in which the National Wrestling Coaches Association claimed Title IX was the cause of cuts to men’s teams.

Commenting on ABCNews.com, Lopiano noted, “Where there were only 300,000 participation opportunities for high school girls in 1972, there are now close to 2.8 million. Where there were 30,000 college participation opportunities for women in 1972, there are now 150,000.”

Lopiano, who received her bachelor’s degree from Southern and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California, has long served as a role model. The talented athlete participated in 26 national championships in four sports: softball, basketball, volleyball, and field hockey. She was a nine-time All-American at four different positions in softball—a sport in which she played on six national championship teams.

Lopiano’s professional accomplishments are equally impressive. Prior to joining the foundation, she served for 17 years as director of women’s athletics for the University of Texas and president of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. Her achievements include induction into the National Sports Hall of Fame, the National Softball Hall of Fame, Southern’s Alumni Sports Hall of Fame, and, most recently, the Verizon Academic All-America Hall of Fame.

In support of her alma mater, Lopiano is actively working with the SCSU Owl Club to increase support of women’s athletics at the university. Following, she talks about efforts to level the athletic playing field for women and girls—and how far society has yet to go.

What inspired your involvement in sports?

“I grew up on a dead-end street, alongside 15 boys and one other girl. We played sports for fun. Plus, I had a lot of older cousins who participated in sports. They were great role models."

What are some of the issues the foundation is currently addressing?

“The media are very focused on Title IX, which is, of course, a key issue for the foundation. But the foundation addresses numerous issues related to creating equity for women and girls involved in sports and fitness. Participation is a critical concern at all levels. We’re not only focused on schools—which are largely governed by Title IX—but also on amateur athletics, which is the subject of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. This law prohibits discrimination in non-federally funded sports.

"The foundation is also concerned with developments at the community level—from opportunities provided to women and girls to play different sports to the fair assignment of fields. We work with parents who are confronting discrimination against their daughters. We are also a source of support for women athletes of color, as well as those who are disabled. These athletes are facing double jeopardy in terms of potential discrimination. We also offer support to women who are employed in sports-related fields.

"In terms of the media, we are very disturbed by the absence of women in sports coverage. Only 5 percent of sports coverage in newspapers is awarded to women. Coverage of women athletes often focuses on beauty rather than skill. Women are often treated as sex objects or visual objects rather than as bona fide athletes. The ramifications are serious. It is difficult to interest girls in sports when they don’t see women role models on television and in magazines. The foundation awards $10,000 a week in grants to less-financially advantaged girls so that they have the opportunity to participate in sports like their sisters from more financially well-off families.”

How can we encourage girls’ involvement in sports?

“The effort should start even before a child is able to communicate intellectually. The gifts you give a child are very important. Have you given a ball and glove to a little boy? Then you should give a ball and glove to each of the young girls in your life as well. Gifts have special meaning to a child. A girl who receives a ball and glove thinks…this means the adult in my life thinks I can play…I am supposed to play.

"Early, ongoing exposure to women’s sports is very important. Girls need to see role models, girls like themselves and women who successfully participate in sports. Someone other than Pocahontas or other large-chested Disney characters. There are some wonderful books and videos available. Take girls to see college and professional women’s teams. Help them find appropriate sports-related Web sites. www.GoGirlGo.com, the foundation’s Web site for kids, has information on many different sports. This is particularly important because there are so few women athletes presented in the media.

“Equally important, pay attention to those who are teaching the girls in your life to play. Are the girls learning skills that allow them to experience success? Kids play sports because it’s fun. Skill is a predicator to fun. It’s no fun to strike out every time. It is so important to have a positive learning environment without a lot of stress. The foundation publishes “A Parents’ Guide to Girls’ Sports,” which can be downloaded from our Web site, www.womenssportsfoundation.org."

As a society, how are we doing in terms of creating a non-discriminatory environment for female athletes?

“We are better than half way there. Currently, 79 percent of Americans believe that Title IX is a good law that should be protected. That said, we still have a way to go. High school boys still have 1.1 million more opportunities to play than girls. Men still receive approximately $133 million more annually in collegiate athletic scholarships."

What is Title IX?

“Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in any educational institution that is a recipient of federal funds. Athletics, drama, band, and any other extracurricular student activities are considered to be educational programs under this law. Title IX also prohibits all forms of sex discrimination in federally funded educational institutions, including sexual harassment, discrimination in admissions and counseling, discrimination against married or pregnant students, etc.”

Has Title IX increased female participation during the last 25 years?

“Yes. Since the passage of Title IX, increases in athletic participation for both males and females have occurred at both the high school and collegiate levels. In 1970, only one out of every 27 high school girls played varsity sports. Today, that figure is one in 2.5. Female high school participation increased from 294,015 in 1971 to 2,472,043 in 1997. College participation has more than tripled, from 31,000 to 128,208."

How is Title IX applied to athletics?

“There are three basic parts of Title IX as it applies to athletics. Participation requires that women be provided an equitable opportunity to participate in sports as men, not necessarily the same sports but an equal opportunity to play. Female athletes also must receive athletic scholarship dollars proportional to their participation. Title IX also requires equal treatment in the provision of equipment and supplies, scheduling of games and practice times, travel and daily allowance, access to tutoring, coaching, locker rooms, practice and competitive facilities, medical and training facilities and services, publicity and promotions, recruitment of student athletes, and support services."

What can parents and guardians do to continue to work toward equity for women athletes?

“Parents have to make it known that they understand Title IX, and that they fully expect their daughters to be treated equally."

What benefits do girls receive from participating in sports?

“Greater confidence levels, self-esteem, and a better self image. They are also less likely to be involved in an unintended pregnancy, less likely to take drugs and engage in other high-risk behavior, and more likely to stay in school. The health benefits are tremendous and include a lower risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis."

What are you most proud of about your involvement with the Women’s Sports Foundation?

“The fact that the foundation has continued its 29-year history of breaking down myths and barriers that stop girls from playing sports. There are girls today who will never be called a “tomboy,” a derogatory phrase meant to belittle and degrade.

"It has been very rewarding to witness the growing popularization of sports among girls, as well as the public’s growing understanding of the tremendous good that comes from this participation."

For more information, contact the Women’s Sports Foundation, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY 11554; www.womenssportsfoundation.org; 1 (800) 227-3988 or 1 (516) 542-4700; email, wosport@aol.com.