As March concludes and Women’s History Month is celebrated, it’s important to honor and share the stories of female athletes—whether at the local or national level. This recognition is especially crucial this year, as the Trump administration has rolled back Title IX protections previously expanded under the Biden administration, creating stricter regulations. Title IX, a federal law enacted in 1972, prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program that receives federal funding, including athletics.
Women’s History Month itself has deep roots in advocacy and recognition. It originated in Sonoma County, California, where Women’s History Week was first observed in 1978. The movement gained momentum nationwide, leading President Jimmy Carter to declare the week of March 8 as National Women’s Week in 1980. Finally, in 1987, Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month.
In Minnesota, one event dedicated to celebrating female athletes is National Girls and Women in Sports Day–Minnesota, which took place on Feb. 5 at the Minnesota History Center. The event’s mission is to advocate for Title IX while recognizing individuals and organizations that inspire girls and women to participate in sports. In that spirit, here are stories from local female athletes reflecting on their seasons and experiences.
Senior Madelyn Moser is a multi-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. As a captain of both the volleyball and basketball teams this year, she has seen firsthand the struggles and successes of female athletes.
During the volleyball season, illness hit the team hard. “That whole season, I was proud of my teammates. I mean, we had a lot of illness and stuff, as the whole school did, and we fought through that,” Moser said.
Despite their resilience, the team was eliminated in the second round of playoffs in a close game. Yet, their success—and the success of many other girls’ teams—often doesn’t receive as much recognition as their male counterparts.
Taylor Tvedt, the athletic director for the lower and middle school, sees the importance of fostering a strong community for female athletes. She highlighted a recent Lower School volleyball scrimmage that showcased the connections being built between younger and older players.
“We hosted over thirty 3rd-5th grade volleyball players for a scrimmage day at the Randolph Campus,” Tvedt said. “The best part was watching the varsity volleyball players jumping into the games to compete with the young kiddos.”
These scrimmages help encourage young girls to try new sports and build connections across grade levels. However, female athletes still face unique challenges.
“I would say just be aware that it’s a bit tougher to be a female athlete,” Moser said. “You just don’t get taken as seriously, especially when it’s a male-dominated sport. For basketball, between women and men […] it’s a little bit harder. You’re very committed to your sport, and it’s difficult when people don’t take it as seriously. So you have to try harder to get recognized as an athlete.”
Tvedt’s story about young athletes playing alongside varsity players serves as a reminder that progress is being made to support female athletes. But Moser’s experience underscores the reality that recognition and respect don’t always come easily. That’s why it’s up to students, parents, and the community to show up and support girls’ sports. The next time a girls’ sporting event is happening, go cheer them on—it’s a small step toward the larger goal of equality in athletics.
