In recent years, female athletes have seen a groundswell of support, marked by rising participation rates, increased revenue generation, and a growing fan base for women’s teams. While progress is evident, the facilities that support these athletes often lag behind, reflecting a time when men’s sports dominated campus and spaces were intentionally designed only for male athletes.
In the half-century since women were granted equal access to sports through Title IX in 1972, women have steadily made strides, not only as players but also as coaches, officials, and athletic directors. From 2012 to 2021 alone we have seen a 30% increase in female athletic directors, a 2% increase in female head coaches, and a 16% increase in female student-athletes overall. Yet these advancements need to be matched by investments in facilities that reflect the needs of women’s programs.
The impact of these improvements extends far beyond the game. Statistics show that women who participate in athletics, especially at the college level, are more likely to end up in leadership positions in the workforce; knowing this, we understand that a woman’s experience in her athletics program can significantly equip her for life after graduation. From small, Division III private colleges, to large, Division I universities, recent investments in purpose-built athletics spaces are not just enhancing performance but also shaping future leaders.
