Title IX 40 for 40: Courtney Gallagher

Cornell goalkeeper Courtney Gallagher, a rising senior with the Big Red, looks to take over between the pipes on a full-time basis in 2013. Gallagher played in 10 games in 2012, starting three, and earned three victories. She posted 33 saves and a 9.70 goals against average last season, including an impressive performance against Dartmouth in the Ivy League semifinal game, where she gave up three goals in 44 minutes while holding the Big Green scoreless over the final 21 minutes in a tough 9-8 loss for the Big Red.

What impact has Title IX had on you/college athletics?
Gallagher: Title IX has given me and all other female athletes the opportunity to play the sports we love in college. Being a part of a varsity athletic team has made my college experience very memorable, and I have learned many valuable life lessons.

What more can be done to improve women’s athletics?
Gallagher: Women’s athletics would greatly benefit from increased support from members of the campus and the community. Men’s athletic teams always seem to have bigger fan bases and draw bigger crowds at games. Female athletes work just as hard as male athletes and we too need the support. Developing greater awareness and interest in women’s athletics is the next step in making this happen.

What effects will Title IX have for the younger generation?
Gallagher: Title IX has opened many new doors and eliminated many barriers that female athletes of previous generations had to overcome. The younger generation will receive greater support, funding and opportunities to play the sports they love.  

What is the biggest challenge to women in sports?
Gallagher: I believe that the biggest challenge to women in sports is the stereotype that female athletes are never as good as male athletes. Women have been involved in athletics for decades and the number of female athletes continues to grow each year. With the continued success of women’s athletic programs, I hope that this stereotype will be overcome and that female and male athletes across all sports will be considered equal.