Page 29 - 2022 IHSAA Annual Report

TITLE IX AT 50 TITLE IX AT 50

Title IX Within State Lines Another important figure who helped “Athletics are a lot like life. I like that about it. They do teach the
pave the way for girls’ sports in Indiana
The federal government enacting Title was Sue Parrish, hired as the Assistant lessons of life, even if you don’t recognize it at first. They teach good
IX in 1972 proved our nation’s desire Director of Girls Athletics in 1974. Roy
to strive to make continual progress. and Parrish established tournaments character. Athletics are something you won’t regret doing. I feel
When the legislation passed, it required in girls’ swimming and diving, tennis,
those parties responsible for enforcing track & field, and basketball. good about being a part of giving girls an opportunity with athletics
it to navigate unchartered territory.
In 1977, Parrish’s tenure ended, Roy’s and athletic scholarships. I got to help, in part, make them not only
Thankfully, the Association’s title officially changed to that of assistant
foresight led to hiring Patricia Roy as commissioner, and a vacancy for another good athletes, but good people and good citizens. They can help
Director of Girls Athletics six months assistant commissioner opened.
before Title IX became law. make this a better country.” – Patricia Roy
The Association hired Mildred Ball to
Roy, a Goshen native and former educator fulfill the role of assistant commissioner. At
at Chesterton High School and East Gary the time of Ball’s hire in 1977, she was the Working in tandem, Ball and Roy established Over the years, the Title IX legislation
Edison High School, took an early role as a second Black woman in the country to be girls’ tournaments in cross country, softball, increased opportunities for female student-
proponent of female athletics, even before hired by a high school athletic association— and soccer—those additions brought athletes on the field. Consequently, there are
her time at the IHSAA. Not only did she and only three other high school athletic the number of girls’ sports offerings now more opportunities for females off it
teach physical education, but she was a associations employed a female on staff. up to 10, where it remains today. within the world of education-based athletics.
founding member of the Indiana Coaches
of Girls Sports Association (ICGSA). Like Roy, Ball was previously a physical Ball and Roy’s hard work eventually Today, there are hundreds of female
education teacher—at East Chicago led to girls’ and boys’ athletics athletic directors, coaches, administrators,
After joining the IHSAA as Director of Girls Washington High School. Ball’s experience becoming more equitable, but there and principals in Indiana. That number
Athletics, Roy organized and administered as an educator only furthered her passion for were high hurdles along the way. grows every year. It will continue to
the first girls’ state tournaments in education-based athletics and the role they grow as more female students elect
volleyball and gymnastics during the 1972- could play for young women in high school. For instance, it was a battle to convince to study in the second classroom.
73 academic year. One year later, girls’ golf athletic directors and coaches that boys’ and
became an IHSAA-sanctioned sport. girls’ programs should share facilities and Lifelong learners understand that the
have the same offerings. But the two women’s outcomes of Title IX make it evident that
strong will, passion, and determination when we give students more opportunities
would one day balance the scales for to grow, we give ourselves more
girls’ and boys’ athletics in Indiana. opportunities to grow as an Association.

Creating equity for girls in high school With Title IX in mind, let’s keep learning.
athletics is paramount to Ball and Roy’s Let’s keep growing.
legacy—and those accomplishments
led to something of equal importance: Where will our education take us 50 years
giving every Hoosier girl two women from now?
role models as inspiration to better
themselves and the world.

Eventually, the torch left by Ball—who retired
in 1997—and Roy—the longest-tenured
IHSAA executive in organization history at
27 years—would become the responsibility
of the next generation of female leaders.

Thanks to the grit, determination, and leadership
Assistant Commissioner Mildred Ball, former Commissioner Eugene Cato, and Assistant Commissioner of women like Patricia Roy—pictured here—and
Patricia Roy—pictured here at a State Finals event—helped the IHSAA navigate the implementation of Title Mildred Ball, opportunities for female student-
IX within its membership. athletes have blossomed since 1972.

28 INDIANA HIGH S CHOOL A THLE TIC ASS OCIA TION Annual Report 2022 29