AUGUSTA, Ga – Augusta Athletics is excited to welcome back the three all-time leading scorers from the women's basketball program to Christenberry Fieldhouse on January 21. The game will serve to celebrate 50th Anniversary of Title IX and to commemorate the strong legacy of Augusta Women's Athletics since their founding in 1973.

During halftime of the women's game, Augusta will honor the three all-time leading scorers in Augusta women's basketball history. Dr. Lawanna Monday(-Harden), Beth Mckie (Meyer), and Debbie Born have each had their jersey retired and commemorated in Christenberry Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 1:30pm. 

 
               
 #14 Beth McKie 1977-81 (North Augusta, S.C.)
 
 McKie's No. 14 jersey was retired after her four-year career in Augusta. McKie was named All-Conference all four years and averaged 20.4 ppg from 1977-1981. She scored over 400 points in all four of her   seasons. Her 1,836 points are the third most in Jaguar history.            


#44 Lawanna Monday 1994-98 (Eatonton, Ga.)
 
 Monday's No. 44 jersey was retired on Nov. 16, 2009. She is the all-time leading scorer in Augusta women's basketball history and the only Jaguar to break 2,000 points (2,143). Monday was named Peach Belt   All- Conference three times in her tenure and was the PBC Freshman of the Year in 1995.             


#55 Debbie Born 1987-91 (Pasadena, Md.)
 
 Born's No. 55 jersey was retired on Feb. 20, 1993 after ending her tenure as the school's all-time leading scorer, a title she held until 1998. She ended her illustrious four-year career with 1,866 points and averaged   17.4 ppg for her career. She was named All-Big South in 1989, 1990, and 1991. 
 

"Title IX has been and will continue to be instrumental in the pursuit for gender equality.  Augusta University is celebrating Title IX and honoring the individuals who paved the way for those who followed.  Women's Athletics at Augusta University would not be where it is today without these trailblazers."
          
     -Christina Whetsel – Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Academic Services/ Senior Woman Administrator 
 


TITLE IX FACTS
 
Championed by Edith Green and Patsy Mink in the House of Representatives and Birch Bayh in the Senate, Title IX was signed by President Richard Nixon on June 23, 1972. It states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Title IX's language says nothing specifically about athletics. The Department of Health, Education and Welfare determined that because educational institutions receive federal funding, all aspects of the school's operations were covered by Title IX, including sports.
 
"The passing of Title IX over 50 years ago recognized education as an equal right for all. Prohibiting gender-based discrimination particularly opened doors and removed barriers for women athletes by granting equal opportunities. As a result, female athletic programs and student participation has increased significantly since Title IX's inception."
       
         -Julie Kneuker – Augusta University Title IX Coordinator 

Prior to the implementation of Title IX, the NCAA did not hold championships for women's sports. Instead, women's athletics were administered by the AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women) until the NCAA began sponsoring championships in 1982.   

After a study and implementation period, universities were required to abide by Title IX by 1978. Augusta added its first varsity sport for women – basketball - in the 1973-74 academic year. Softball was added in 1986.

According to the Women's Sports Foundation, there are three parts to Title IX as it applies to athletics programs: (1) effective accommodation of student interests and abilities (participation), (2) athletic financial assistance (scholarships), and (3) other program components (the "laundry list" of benefits to and treatment of athletes). The "laundry list" includes equipment and supplies, scheduling of games and practice times, travel and daily per diem allowances, access to tutoring, coaching, locker rooms, practice and competitive facilities, medical and training facilities and services, publicity, recruitment of student athletes and support services.

Today, Augusta competes in 7 women's varsity sports: volleyball, cross country, basketball, tennis, softball, golf, and track & field.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.AugustaJags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags
Print Friendly Version