Celebrating the Impact of Title IX: Opportunity, Confidence, and Leadership at Renbrook
by Heather Singer
In February, the Renbrook community came together to celebrate the anniversary of Title IX, a landmark federal law that has transformed access to education and athletics for generations of girls and women. More than 50 years after its passage, Title IX continues to open doors on the playing field, in classrooms, and far beyond.
At Renbrook, this celebration was not just about history. It was about impact: the confidence built, the resilience learned, the friendships formed, and the leadership skills developed through sports and physical activity.
Sports as a Classroom for Life
During our all-school assembly, students were asked to reflect on the role sports have played in their lives. Nearly every student stood – recognizing that whether through team sports, physical education, recess games, or informal play, athletics have helped them grow.
Sports teach lessons that never appear on a scoreboard. They teach students how to persevere through challenges, collaborate with others, lead with empathy, and believe in themselves even when they feel uncertain. These lessons follow students into classrooms, friendships, families, and future careers.
For girls especially, Title IX has ensured access to these opportunities. Before its passage, girls were often discouraged from competing or told that sports were “not for them.” Today, participation sends a powerful message: strength matters, effort matters, and every voice belongs.
Inspiring Voices: Women Who Lead Through Sport
As part of the celebration, Renbrook welcomed two inspiring speakers whose lives reflect the lasting influence of Title IX.
Coach Mary Westkott: Building Leaders of Character
Coach Mary Westkott shared her journey as an athlete, educator, and leader. From swimming and track to collegiate athletics and a career in physical education, her story highlighted how access to sports builds lifelong confidence.
Now serving at the United States Coast Guard Academy, Coach Mary Westkott helps develop leaders of character through athletics. With nearly 40% of the Academy’s student body identifying as women, up from just 20% when she began more than 25 years ago, her experience illustrates how Title IX has reshaped opportunity at the highest levels. Today, the Academy offers female students nine NCAA athletic opportunities, but she reminded students that athletics are not about being the fastest or strongest, but about growth, commitment, and character.
Dr. Lisa Bina Kenton: Dreaming Big and Pushing Limits
Dr. Lisa Bina Kenton, an emergency medicine physician and endurance athlete, shared a powerful message about redefining limits. A lifelong athlete, she spoke candidly about finding confidence, stress relief, and purpose through running.
Her journey culminated in an extraordinary achievement: running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents, while raising funds for children with chromosomal differences. With limited sleep and constant travel, the challenge of The Great World Race demonstrated resilience, goal-setting, and the power of sport to create positive change.
Dr. Kenton emphasized that sports give girls permission to take risks, be bold, and dream big, and that these lessons extend far beyond the finish line.
Progress Through Belief and Support
Students were asked to stand if they believed girls belong in sports and deserve opportunity, encouragement, and respect. Every student stood.
That moment captured the spirit of Title IX at Renbrook: progress fueled by community support, shared belief, and confidence in one another.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to providing equitable opportunities that help all students discover who they are and who they are becoming.
We are grateful to the members of the Student Athletics Council and to Assistant Athletic Director Carley Elkin and Athletic Director Natalie Kirkpatrick for providing this important program for our students.