University of Houston Athletics
50 Years of Title IX - In My Words: DeJuena Chizer
6/23/2022 12:00:00 PM | General
Houston Athletics Senior Associate Athletics Director, Senior Woman Administrator, former UH student-athlete, coach reflects on the 50th Anniversary of Title IX
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.
Sports was an opportunity for me to begin a career I never thought would have been possible. Without Title IX, I would not have been given the opportunity to receive a scholarship to play D-I basketball.
Today I am still in awe that it has only been 50 years since Title IX changed the landscape and gave women life changing opportunities.
Being given the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level set the foundation for me, helping mold and create morals and values that still hold true today. Title IX opened the doors for professional opportunities and gave me a chance to travel the world, setting the stage for my post athletic career.
Title IX changed my life when I didn't even know it. I was a young kid who loved all sports – playing basketball, volleyball, softball (which we didn't have at all while I was in school), and track & field while in high school and junior high – creating the work ethic, competitiveness, and my overall love for sports.
I have many flashbacks of memories of my time in school where us girls had less than our male counterparts, whether it was coaches, gear or sports offered. But, as I was developing into an elite athlete, trailblazers were fighting for opportunities for women and girls and that has allowed me the opportunity to be a student-athlete, teacher, coach and now a collegiate athletic administrator.
I am thankful for the trailblazers that paved the way and set the stage for many opportunities for women, not just in sports but in life!
Today the progress of Title IX needs to continue to be championed, as progress and change affects everyone. I can't thank the trailblazers and allies enough for the work they have done and the work that will continue. It takes all of us!
− DeJuena Chizer
Sports was an opportunity for me to begin a career I never thought would have been possible. Without Title IX, I would not have been given the opportunity to receive a scholarship to play D-I basketball.Today I am still in awe that it has only been 50 years since Title IX changed the landscape and gave women life changing opportunities.
Being given the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level set the foundation for me, helping mold and create morals and values that still hold true today. Title IX opened the doors for professional opportunities and gave me a chance to travel the world, setting the stage for my post athletic career.
Title IX changed my life when I didn't even know it. I was a young kid who loved all sports – playing basketball, volleyball, softball (which we didn't have at all while I was in school), and track & field while in high school and junior high – creating the work ethic, competitiveness, and my overall love for sports.I have many flashbacks of memories of my time in school where us girls had less than our male counterparts, whether it was coaches, gear or sports offered. But, as I was developing into an elite athlete, trailblazers were fighting for opportunities for women and girls and that has allowed me the opportunity to be a student-athlete, teacher, coach and now a collegiate athletic administrator.
I am thankful for the trailblazers that paved the way and set the stage for many opportunities for women, not just in sports but in life!
Today the progress of Title IX needs to continue to be championed, as progress and change affects everyone. I can't thank the trailblazers and allies enough for the work they have done and the work that will continue. It takes all of us!
− DeJuena Chizer
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