Celebrating 50 Years of Title IX and National Girls and Women in Sports Day
This month marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the ceiling-shattering legislation that protected individuals from discrimination in athletics based on their gender and paved the way for female-identifying athletes to play and compete in athletics. Breck is taking time to reflect on the opportunities Title IX afforded our community and the extraordinary accomplishments of our athletes. Below you'll find words and reflections from a few of the incredible athletes who are recent graduates at Breck and involved in college athletics in their own journeys. We know this list is not exhaustive. This is just a small group of the many incredible individuals who are representing Breck through their commitment to excellence in sport and personal achievement and success.
Thank you to Jenn, Saylor, Kaitlyn, Jaila, and Chandra for sharing!
Jenn Fabian | University of St. Thomas | Marketing
Saylor Hawkins | University of Northern Texas | Diving
What is your most memorable Breck Athletics moment?
I have a lot of great memories with Breck sports. One of my favorites was the sleep overs with teammates. These moments gave me time to relax with my team and bond with them on a more personal level. I also really enjoyed going to other sporting events, and cheering on the athletes. Most people would just go to the big sections or state games, but it was fun going to the regular season games. Getting to know the athletes I was able to see their progress made throughout the seasons.
Kaitlyn MacBean '20 | Penn State University | Soccer
As a female athlete who competes in the NCAA, can you tell us how sports have influenced you on a personal level?
Growing up playing sports has impacted me in more ways than I can count. Starting from a young age I fell in love with the game of soccer, but I was clueless of all that would come from playing. Throughout my journey I have created family and friendships that will last a lifetime. I have been led by incredible coaches and teammates that have immensely impacted my life, both on and off the field. They’ve taught me what it means to be a leader, and to be goal-oriented, driven, and hard-working. Soccer has brought me some of the greatest moments of my life, but it has also taught me how to overcome adversity. I saw the game through a different perspective during my ACL recovery, which brought emotional ups and downs but, in the end, made me a stronger person and player. The lessons and relationships I’ve gained from soccer will take me farther than the game ever could, and for that I am so incredibly grateful.
Jaila Tolbert '15 | Virginia Tech | Volleyball
As a female athlete who competes in the NCAA, can you tell us how sports have influenced you on a personal level?
Sports have directly impacted my life. They have given me a number of things including opportunity, confidence, hope, skills, and learning how to deal with adversity. Most importantly, for me, sports and the Breck community, and my college community have given me a sense of family and sisterhood that you can't buy anywhere else.
Chandra Yueh '12 | Cornell University | Swimming
What is your most memorable Breck Athletics moment?
I have so many good memories, it is hard to choose a single one! If I have to choose, I would say my most memorable moment was my first “step-up / believe in yourself” experience at State when I was in 8th grade. I had been given the job to anchor the first event of the meet (200 medley relay). This event always sets the tone for the team, and I was so nervous as it was the first time I had been in a high stakes event like this. I remember the coaches and team rallying behind me, encouraging me, and giving me confidence. Having the whole team behind me gave me the push I needed to relax and compete. We ended up winning that event - and it was such a great way to start to the meet! This event was the start to my passion in competing in relays, something that continued on through my college career.
