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Iowa Women's Athletics

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Title XI of the Education Amendments Act

Following the adoption of Title IX on June 23 1972, the University of Iowa elevated 12 women’s club sports to varsity status in 1973. That was only the beginning. With the unshakeable belief that a sport experience can truly empower a woman, Iowa Women’s Athletic Director, Dr. Christine Grant, continued to advocate for equal opportunities for women at the local, regional, and national level. She was a national voice, passionately educating and empowering leaders across the country to push for equal opportunities. Her work continues to inspire and motivate us to this day.

Title IX Grew Up in Iowa City

Before Title IX, there was Christine Grant

And in the years immediately following the passage of Title IX, Iowa’s first—and only—Director of Women’s Athletics emerged as the go-to defender of the new law. Dr. Grant was among the first to understand the full measure of what Title IX meant to women’s collegiate athletics and she was especially well qualified to articulate and defend those implications.

  • 1971

    Iowa joins the AIAW

    Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women

  • 1972

    Title IX Enacted

  • 1973

    UI President Sandy Boyd elevates 12 women's club sports to varsity status

  • 1973

    Dr. Christine Grant named Women's Athletic Director

  • 1975

    First women's athletic scholarships awarded

Golden Moments

 

Throughout the year we will be highlighting Golden Moments, celebrating the individuals and teams who have contributed to the past 50 Years of Iowa Women’s Athletics. We start with the first five moments below:

1980-89

1986 – Field Hockey becomes a national powerhouse, winning their first NCAA Championship.

1990-99

1997 – Women’s soccer added to the roster of varsity sports.

2000-09

2009 – P. Sue Beckwith Boathouse opens for Iowa Rowing – the first dedicated women’s athletic facility.

2010-19

2019 – Iowa Women’s Basektball Center Megan Gustafson is awarded the Naismith Player of the Year.

2020 onward

2021 – Iowa becomes the first Power 5 school with a Women’s Wrestling program.

HERkys Dr. Christine Grant

Join the Celebration All Year Long

Dr. Christine Grant documentary premiere – August 24th

FryFest – September 2nd

Celebration of Iowa Women’s Athletics at Kinnick Stadium, Iowa vs. South Dakota State – September 3rd

Field Hockey Celebration – TBA

Volleyball Celebration – TBA

Soccer Celebration – TBA

Videos