Mindy Moshier has spent her entire life surrounded by sports and athletics. Since she was still in Junior High School when Title IX was passed she has seen first hand how sports have changed for women. From as early as she can remember Mindy was always involved in sports. Her town supported recreational activities for youth so she was able to participate in golf, tennis, and frequently went to the community swimming pool in the summer. The summer leagues were available for all kids to join, and she took these opportunities mostly because her parents and community had placed a lot of emphasis on them, which lead her to love them as well. Mindy remembers traveling with her parents when they couched and the unconditional support they provided her by attending all her games. Needless to say, Mindy had motivation from her family, community and self to become a pioneer in women’s sports. This allowed her to open a controversial door for other young women like herself, who see beyond stereotypes and double standards and strive for the right to express themselves.
In 1972 Title IX was passed and formed a trickle down effect for girl’s
sports in the school. Varsity sports were the first to be established then
Junior High followed by modified or feeder teams. Mindy joined the first
Junior High basketball team when she was in 8th grade. She remembers the
girls had to use old gym uniforms and put numbers on the back for their team
uniforms because their was not enough funding yet for these newly created
girls sports. Being able to participate in district and state championships
was such an exciting adventure for these girls who were now able to play.
She recalls that almost every girl in school tried out for the teams as they
were established.
At her High School girls were now able to play volleyball, tennis, AAU track,
and summer softball at a competitive level. Since both of her parents were
coaches she received unconditional support in pursing athletics. She pushed
herself to be the best that she could and demanded herself to compete at
the highest level. During high school Mindy not only played sports but was
also an avid spectator going to many games to support the other teams; she
just had a sheer enjoyment being around athletics. Although Mindy has a clear
passion for sports she also admits having to sacrifice time with her family
in order to pursue her career in athletics. She also confessed that the lack
of time discouraged her from having additional children. Nonetheless she
encourages her daughter to be involved in sports. The sacrifices that she’s
made are overshadowed by the many benefits that came from being involved
with athletics. Mindy, like many others believes that participating in sports
can improve communication skills, which is a quality that strengthens relationships
with one’s family and at work.
While in college Mindy played on a club volleyball team at Lock
Haven University that she helped to establish because there was no varsity team in place yet.
The college had a great intramural program that allowed her the chance to
stay involved but not at a competitive level. Her love of sports however
led her to her current career as a physical education teacher and coach,
which you can view either of these topics in more depth by clicking the links
above.
As a teacher and a coach Mindy has been able to stay active in athletics
and still enjoys playing in recreational leagues. When she has free time
she enjoys playing volleyball, golf, tennis, and attending athletic events
both locally and visiting the surrounding colleges to watch games. She
has seen how far women and sports have come in the past 34 years, with girls
being able to participate in sports starting in elementary school. Although
women have come so far she still sees a need for athletic scholarships
in
women’s sports to advance as well as getting more female coaches
at all levels of competition be it high school, intercollegiate, or professional.
“ I think women just benefit [from sports] because you become so much stronger not only physically but mentally and it helps you compete in the real world and really, I’m a believer that it just helps build self-confidence.”