NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Atlantic 10 Conference will spotlight 16 Title IX Trailblazers, one from each member institution and the conference office, at the 2023 A-10 Women’s and Men’s Basketball Championships. These impressive 16 women, (full list is below – biographies can be found here) are each difference makers and have paved the way for creating and protecting opportunities for girls and women in sport and intercollegiate athletics throughout their careers.
 
The Trailblazers celebration is part of the Atlantic 10’s yearlong celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of Title IX, federal legislation that was passed in June of 1972. The Title IX Trailblazers will be recognized and honored with in-arena banner displays at both Chase Fieldhouse for the Women’s Basketball Championship and Barclays Center for the Men’s Basketball Championship. The honorees will also be celebrated on social media throughout the league and locally on each A-10 campus.
 
“It is an honor and privilege to recognize the Atlantic 10 Conference Title IX Trailblazers. Each of these women have paved the way for thousands of girls and women to participate in and be successful in sports and life,” stated A-10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade “Title IX was, and is, landmark federal legislation, however it required women over the last five decades to step up and take advantage of the equal opportunities created for girls and women. Our society, communities, corporations, and country are better because of each of our Trailblazers and the skills acquired through sport.”
 
Title IX Trailblazers

Debbie Richardson, Atlantic 10 Rebecca Stimson, Davidson Dr. R. Elaine Dreidame, Dayton Amy Alger Irvin, Duquesne Anne Gregory O’Connell, Fordham Jen Derevjanik, George Mason Elana Meyers Taylor, George Washington Linda Hester, La Salle

Roz Iasillo, Loyola Chicago Dr. Kathy Coyner, Massachusetts Lauren E. Anderson, Rhode Island Mary Sue Terry, Richmond Barb Questa, St. Bonaventure Natasha Cloud, Saint Joseph’s Marilyn Nolen, Saint Louis Pat Stauffer, VCU

The Atlantic 10 Conference is concluding its year-long celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of Title IX. The league-wide recognitions included numerous events on each of the A-10 campuses, a commemorative logo, activations and visibility at all A-10 Championship events, educational sessions and the “What it Means to Me” campaign.  This campaign engaged student-athletes, coaches, and administrators throughout the conference who shared their stories and the impact Title IX has had on their lives, which are available on the A-10 website.