Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Sports

Title IX was signed into law 50 years ago. What impacts has the law had and what has it meant for Southeast students?

At Southeast Missouri State, it means we have been recognizing, celebrating, and honoring our female athletes and their accomplishments for half of a century. SEMO’s campus would not be the same without our women’s sports and the athletes who continue to make an impact on and off the field, court, track, or gym. Records have been broken, history has been made, and lives have been changed. As Title IX continues to impact generations, we look at a group of alumnae who have inspired countless women and girls who came after them.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, we are grateful for those who paved the way for the opportunities we as women have today. It is because of them that we can and we will, not only for ourselves, but for the women who came before and for the little girls who dream to walk in our footsteps.

Rekha Patterson

Women's Basketball Head Coach

Cindy Gannon

Former Southeast Missouri head volleyball coach and administrator

As someone who became active in Athletics early in the Title IX movement, I am amazed at the significant strides women's athletics has made in a relatively short period of time. There are so many women who have dedicated their time and talent to accomplish significant milestones for women and girls sports. We certainly are not done with what can be achieved. We have to fight for the integrity of women's athletics in assuring an equal playing field and continue to make those opportunities available at all levels for girls and women. I hope in some way, I made a difference and will always admire those who came before me and will continue to support those who follow. Girls and women’s sports have empowered many women and will continue to develop future leaders for many years to come.

Title IX allows me and my student athletes the ability to do the things we love. Not just in the sport of gymnastics, but also affording us the ability to expand our knowledge and get a great education. It provides us with the freedom to make choices in life and have the freedom to participate in programs many women before us weren't so fortunate to do. I'm grateful for Title IX and the opportunities it's awarded myself, my athletes and for the younger generations to come.

Ashley Lawson

Women's Gymnastics Head Coach

Accomplishments of SEMO Female Athletes and Coaches

Cindy Gannon inducted to OVC Hall of Fame (SEMO's First female coach and administrator to be inducted.)
Cindy Gannon holding her award for OVC
Grace Powderly wins Steve Hamilton Sportsmanship Award (First Southeast athlete to win the award).
Grace Powderly holding her award from the OVC lunch
Rachel Rook (softball) broke the career strikeout record.
Rachel Rook pitching in a game
Four Gold Medals at 2022 USA Gymnastics Women's Collegiate National Championships

Anna Kaziska won beam and floor title and was named 2022 Midwest Independent Conference senior athlete of the year.

Lindsay Ockler and Jolie Miller won the bars title.

Anna Kaziska, Lindsay Ockler, and Jolie MIller standing with their medals on
Laney Malloy (volleyball) was named the 2021 OVC Player of the Year and Honorable Mention American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American selection.
Laney Malloy waving to the crowd at a game
Claire Ochs become the first Southeast Missouri player to win the OVC Setter of the Year award.
Claire Ochs waving to the crowd at a game

Men’s Track and Field started at SEMO in 1912-13, but Women’s Track and Field did not start until 1978-79--a whopping 66 years later. Title IX has given extraordinary athletes and people an opportunity to compete in collegiate athletics. Since Women’s Track and Cross Country started, SEMO has won a combined 47 MIAA and OVC Championships. An exceptional winning tradition that would not be possible without Title IX and the opportunities it has given our women’s student athletes.

Ryan Lane

Cross Country Head Coach

Accomplishments of SEMO Female Athletes and Coaches

Julie Yankus was named OVC Volleyball Coach of the Year for the first time in her career.
Julie Yankus sitting at a media table smiling
Tennis team won the OVC Tournament title and made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.
Tennis Team celebrating their OVC Tournament Win
SEMO women's teams made for three OVC title and two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021-22. The volleyball team won both the OVC regular- season and tournament crowns, and the women's tennis team won the OVC tournament title. Both made the NCAA Tournament.
SEMO Spirit Logo
Six Redhawks won the Trombetta Award for highest GPA

Kate Daus (soccer), Claire Morrill (track), Grace Powderly (tennis), Lindsey Bates (gymnastics), Wllie Gamradt (track), Katie Schumer (track)

The 6 girls holding up their award smiling at the camera
Breanna Miles (track) earned OVC Female Freshman of the Year.
Breanna Miles smiling
Nicole Humphreys (track) was named OVC Female Field Athlete of the Year

2022 OVC Weight Throw Champion in Indoor Championship

Nicole Humphreys stands next to her 6001 score

Our program is so grateful for the opportunities that Title IX has provided female student-athletes. Not only do we get to play the sport we love, but we get to develop as citizens, contribute as members of the community, and make lifelong friendships.

Mary Beth Gunn

Women's Tennis Head Coach

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