The NCAA Gender Equity Task Force recently reconvened for the first time since 1993. While they are still shaping their processes and ironing out details, the task force’s mission is clear: Move the needle on gender equity in college sports.

In more than 40 years since Title IX was passed, NCAA schools have seen rapid growth in the participation of women in sports at every level, including growth in participation and scholarships available for female student-athletes and an increase in female administrators and coaches. Learn more about the contributions of women to college sports and to celebrate their achievements.

Illinois Wesleyan’s Alexa Baltes has taken a mission trip to Nicaragua and maintains a pen pal relationship with a young girl there. Those experiences have compelled her to use a law degree to serve.

Northwestern softball’s Marisa Bast was bullied in her youth. She fought back by establishing a successful anti-bullying program during her time in college.

Krista Stoltz Bellefeuille carried a massive noncancerous tumor with her through her junior volleyball season.

Ellen Chambers played golf at Lynn University, capturing a pair of national championships. Now, she is in Washington D.C., pursuing a career in public policy.

Arizona graduate Alyssa Hasslen is balancing Olympic aspirations with dreams of a career working at Nike.

Megan Light, an Emory softball player, plans to pursue a career in global health, traveling the world and educating impoverished communities about proper nutrition and other health habits.

Jaclyn Sileo had a record-setting Division II lacrosse career. Now, she wants to teach the sport she loves and work as a school counselor.