50 Years of Title IX: Lydia Gumm

This June the University of Houston Athletic Department recognizes, celebrates and promotes the 50th Anniversary of Title IX across its social media platforms and website with features, highlights and accomplishments from, and by, female coaches and administrators.

Lydia Gumm Annie Kim Standing Lydia Gumm will forever be etched in Houston women's golf history as the first woman to lead the program in 2021 as Carolyn Macaw Leatherwood Head Coach.

An achievement that would not have been possible without Title IX, as the significance of the bill's passing has created ripple effect in the lives of many women across the country.

"Title IX is very important to me," Gumm said. "Because of Title IX, I was given the opportunity to be a student-athlete and now coach my female student-athletes."

In the 50 years of Title IX, the bill has historically lacked proper awareness and emphasis in how it is taught in the education system. Gumm touched upon Title IX, pointing out that one of the main misconceptions was that "all sports are equally funded or have the same financial assistance, whether it's a men's or women's team," Gumm said.

Rather than living parallel with the notion of women's opportunities coming at the expense of men's sports, Title IX set the stage for women to have equal opportunities in sports and compete to the same level as men.

2/22/22 - Houston NCAA Womens Golf (Joe Buvid / For Houston Athletics) Thanks to Title IX, women have been able to expand on these opportunities and pursue true passions and hobbies both in education and sports, leading to potential careers playing or coaching at various levels, much like Gumm herself.

"Sports have been a huge part of my life," Gumm said. "I grew up in a family full of athletes and coaches. Sports, golf specifically, have provided me lifelong friendships and opportunities for which I will always be thankful."

In the process of creating opportunities to play and coach sports, Gumm has also been able to create countless memories and friendships along the way in her young career.

Prior to her first season at the helm, Gumm spent three seasons as an assistant head coach for the Cougars under former head coach Gerrod Chadwell. A Florida State Seminole golfer from 2014-16, Gumm earned notable awards on and off the course as a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection and a three-time All-AAC Academic honoree.

2/21/22 - Houston NCAA Womens Golf (Joe Buvid / For Houston Athletics) In her first season as head coach, Gumm led the Cougars to a second-place finish at The American Athletic Conference Championships while grooming senior Annie Kim to an invitation to the NCAA Franklin Regional as an individual. Reminiscing on her playing days, Gumm reflected on what her collegiate career meant to her and how it impacted her life.

"Playing collegiate athletics was one of the best experiences of my life," Gumm said. "My team and coaches played a huge role in who I am today. I would love to go back in time and play one more tournament with them. Coaching has been an incredible experience too. I enjoy being able to take my time as a player and use that knowledge to enhance my coaching."

While tremendous feats have been reached throughout the history of Title IX, Gumm believes that there is still more work to be done for the future of women's sports.

"The longer I have been in coaching, the more I have learned about Title IX, but it is important that we continue to educate women and current athletes on this topic," Gumm said. "The opportunities for women in sport have grown tremendously and are continuing to do so."

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