Part IX: The Fruits of Progress (1990–1999)

Abstract

This is the last of nine segments designed to commemorate the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport centennial, 1899–1999. This segment will focus on the accomplishments of the six presidents who served from 1990 to 1999. During this period, discussions took place about the future of NAGWS as an association within AAHPERD and the impact of the Alliance's strategic plan (Doris Hardy, personal communication, September 28, 1999). The NAGWS board redefined its responsibilities by changing the term of acting president from one to two years, and refocused the central purpose of NAGWS as an organization for the advocacy of quality and equality in girls’ and women's sports. The 1990s also realized a wider societal acceptance for girls and women in sport. Professional leagues for women began in basketball and softball. The 1996 Olympics saw the United States basketball, soccer, and softball teams win gold medals. Over 90,000 spectators watched the United States Women's Soccer team win the 1999 World Cup. This last event helped to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of NAGWS, and the tremendous progress that has been made in girls’ and women's sports. NAGWS celebrated its centennial with Robin Roberts and Donna de Varona at the AAHPERD annual convention in Boston. A centennial video was made to highlight where we began and how far we have come in the pursuit of equity in sport. From establishing rules and guidelines to overseeing collegiate athletics, NAGWS has evolved constantly over the last 100 years. Today, NAGWS continues to champion equal funding, quality, and respect for women's sports programs. We celebrate the past and look to continue to shape the future. As Judy Oslin (1999) stated, “We must continue until all girls, regardless of economic status, race, or ethnicity, are provided the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and physical activities, and until there is a significant increase in the number of female coaches and sport administrators” (p. 31). A good slogan for the associations role in the future would be, “Never again girls and women without sport!” (Murray, 1987, p. 7). We need only look to the accomplishments of the past NAGWS presidents for inspiration.—Shawn Ladda, Manhattan College, Feature Editor