Because of Title IX: Lisa R. Thuer

Director of Membership & Inclusion, Women Leaders in College Sports

Finish this sentence: “Because of Title IX...”

#BecauseofTitleIX I am a Woman Leader! I can’t image my life without the opportunities afforded to me by the women and men who advocated for my right to education, and my right to play. My involvement in high school and college athletics kept me in school, and gave me purpose and a desire to pursue my potential.

#BecauseofTitleIX I am living my passion! I discovered oneness with the Women Leaders team, found community with my #IAAwest14 sisters, and am inspired daily by the Women Leaders membership! 

How have the athletic and academic opportunities afforded to you because of Title IX impacted your life? Can you imagine your life without them?

My mom, Nancy R. Thuer, set a foundation having written her thesis on Title IX in 1973. She cultivated a home that celebrated strong women, and shared awareness and gratitude for the resilient trailblazers who came before providing the privilege to play. She invigorated my desire to compete, show gratitude, and empower my teammates.

Tell us about a woman who championed you in pursuing your goals. How did her influence inspire or affect you and your career?

During my undergraduate career, I met Dr. Amy Wilson (NCAA Office of Inclusion), who opened my eyes to the history of the AIAW. She deepened my commitment to advocacy and expanded my knowledge on issues surrounding Title IX, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her guidance and inspiration emboldened my desire to champion women working in college athletics. I am forever grateful for Amy’s influence in my life.

How are you continuing to champion the next generation of women and girls in sports, and raise awareness on the importance Title IX?

I have much gratitude for the phenomenal women I coached! I am sure I learned more from them than they ever gained from me, and I'm hopeful that if they took anything away from our dugout talks, they can acknowledge the impact Title IX made in their lives. I often talked about their privilege to play and mine to coach. My intention was for them to acknowledge their opportunity and understand what could be lost if we do not continue to persist. It is my responsibility as a woman who benefited from the fierce advocacy of others to continue to step forward and lead by taking action, showing gratitude, and reminding others what so easily could be taken away.

If you could send an empowering tweet to every woman and girl across the country, what would you send?

Trust that you are exactly where you need to be.

See all our #BecauseofTitleIX stories here! »
Because of Title IX: Cori Pinkett »
Because of Title IX: Tamica Smith Jones »