What's the Score?: 25 Years of Teaching Women's Sports History

Bonnie Morris' book "What's the Score?" is a teaching memoir that explores the history of women's sports, including the barriers they have faced and the opportunities they have created through Title IX. It features a decades-long dialogue with student athletes about the greater opportunities for women in sports.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: Red Lightning Books

Who is the first female athlete you admired?

Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I admired many female athletes for their remarkable skills, dedication, and achievements in their respective sports. However, if I had to choose one athlete who stood out to me as a role model, it would be Serena Williams. Serena is not only a legendary tennis player but also a powerful advocate for gender equality and social justice.

Growing up, I was fortunate to attend a high school that valued and supported female athletes. While there were certainly challenges and barriers to overcome, the school administration and athletic department worked tirelessly to create a fair and inclusive environment for all athletes.

One of the most significant differences I noticed between male and female athletes in my high school was the level of attention and recognition they received. Male athletes were often the focus of media coverage, with their achievements and accomplishments widely publicized. Female athletes, on the other hand, often faced discrimination and underrepresentation in the media and in sports programs.

Despite these challenges, female athletes in my high school continued to push themselves to achieve their goals and break down barriers. They worked hard in the gym, on the field, and in the classroom, and they demonstrated that gender should never be a limiting factor in pursuing one's dreams.

One of the most significant impacts of Title IX on women's sports has been the increased opportunities for participation and advancement. Title IX was passed in 1972 with the goal of eliminating gender discrimination in education and sports. Since its passage, women's sports have grown exponentially, with more schools and organizations investing in women's sports programs and providing equal resources and opportunities to female athletes.

One of the most notable examples of Title IX's impact is the growth of the WNBA, the Women's National Basketball Association. The WNBA was founded in 1996 as a response to the lack of opportunities for women to play professional basketball. Since its inception, the WNBA has grown in popularity and has become a significant source of revenue for its players and the league.

Another example of Title IX's impact is the increased participation of women in sports at the college level. Before Title IX, women's sports were often marginalized and underfunded, with limited opportunities for scholarships and athletic facilities. However, with the passage of Title IX, college women's sports programs have grown in size and prominence, and more women are receiving scholarships and opportunities to compete at the highest level.

In conclusion, the first female athlete I admired was Serena Williams, and the experiences I had as a female athlete in high school highlighted the significant differences and challenges faced by female athletes. However, Title IX has played a critical role in opening up opportunities for women athletes, and I am grateful for the progress that has been made in the field of women's sports.

Dimension: 235 x 155 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781684351800