Clarksville, Ark.-The University of the Ozarks recently celebrated the 50^th anniversary of Title IX with a special recognition of female student-athletes at a home women's basketball game.

Seven former Ozarks' student-athletes and one former Ozarks' coach were recognized as part of the Title IX celebration. The recognition commemorated the anniversary of the landmark federal law signed in 1972 that prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs and activities and provided additional athletic opportunities for women. Title IX's protections opened the doors for women in all aspects of education and altered the course of women's athletics forever.

Included in the recognition were Levada Qualls '55, the University's first women's basketball coach and Title IX pioneer, who paved the way for countless female student-athletes on campus; Mandi Koch '07 (soccer); Whitney Lewis '14 (tennis); Sarah Clark '17 (basketball); Grace Brown '18 (clay target); Hannah Smith '19 (cross country and track); Jacquelyn Bateman '21 (swim and dive) and Sydney Key '21 (softball).

Qualls was instrumental in building the first collegiate women's basketball team and other women's teams on campus. She coached and taught at Ozarks for more than 30 years, paving the way for countless female student-athletes. 

"In my mind, Title IX was an equal rights amendment," said Qualls. "The boys had an opportunity to receive scholarships and the girls didn't. It gave gifted female athletes a chance to receive scholarships. Many of our girls went on to become coaches, and that probably would not have happened without Title IX. It's wonderful to see it come to this point."

Today, more than 215,000 women compete in intercollegiate athletics, accounting for 44% of all college athletes.

"Title IX was more than just about college athletics to me," said Lewis. "It was really an inclusive practice for all females in education and higher education. It allowed access to different courses and other things that we take for granted today. It allowed me an opportunity to compete in women's tennis and I take great pride in that. I also think it serves as a platform for future inclusive practices later on down the road."

In January, the NCAA started its year-long celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Title IX.

"Swimming and participating in competitive cheer made me feel like a leader and feel strong," said Bateman. "I had a really good support system behind me from other female athletes. Title IX means to me inclusion, equal opportunity and protection of our rights. It was an empowering movement for women moving forward in athletics." 

The University of the Ozarks will continue to celebrate and recognize the 50^th anniversary of Title IX throughout the academic year.