Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College Athletic Department marked the 50th anniversary of Title IX, celebrating the progress and achievements of female student-athletes, coaches, and sports teams at the institution and nationwide. Title IX, enacted on June 23, 1972, mandates: "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."

Initially aimed at increasing educational opportunities for women without specifically addressing sports, Title IX soon became a pivotal tool for female athletes seeking equality. The journey has not been easy, but women have continued to achieve significant milestones in athletics.

At Illinois College (IC), women's athletics began with campus clubs and intramural competitions before formalized athletic opportunities emerged. The college adopted "Lady Blues" as the nickname for their women's athletic teams in the 1970s.

Since joining the Midwest Conference in 1982, IC's Lady Blues have claimed eight team conference titles. The women's volleyball team won its first title in 1991 and subsequently secured championships in 1993, 1994, 1996, and 1998. The women's basketball team also clinched a Midwest Conference championship during the 1992-93 season.

Among individual accomplishments is Melissa Norville '13, recognized as Illinois College's most decorated track & field athlete. Norville was a nine-time national champion at NCAA Division III level and a 19-time All-American. She is one of only three women in Division III history to win three or more national titles at a single meet.

Recently, Lady Blues athletics have maintained their success. The IC softball team achieved back-to-back conference championships in 2021 and 2022 and celebrated their first NCAA postseason victory last spring.

The team's head coach Meghan Roman has played a significant role in this success. In November 2021, Roman made history by becoming Illinois College's first female director of athletics.

Reflecting on these achievements Roman stated: "The opportunities that Title IX has brought to women including myself are nothing short of incredible. I am humbled by the women who fought so hard for equality both in the classroom and on the playing field. Without Title IX I would not be where I am today having the honor and great responsibility of providing women with an opportunity to pursue their passions in life."