Remembering Female Athletes During March Madness

March Madness is upon us. As a Hoosier, it's hard to go anywhere without some mention of the college basketball fever lasting through this weekend. This year, hosting the men's Final Four in Indianapolis - along with Butler, a hometown team, going to the Final Four - the attention seems to be heightened. Although I am not an avid fan, I can't help but get swept into the excitement.

When considering all of the attention the men's tournament receives, the women's tournament seems overshadowed. There certainly has been coverage of women's games, but it does not seem to be to the extent of the men's games. The Olympics is one forum where male and female athletes have equal coverage, but more attention should be drawn to the efforts of all female athletes.

Who are some of the women in this year's basketball tournament? Although these women hail from diverse schools and backgrounds, and have chosen a multitude of career paths, they are poised for great success in life.

We recently posted a New York Times article on our Women's Fund Facebook page about the impact of Title IX on women. The evidence is showing that women have lasting benefit from participating in sports in high school and college. Dr. Betsy Stevenson affirms this in the article, stating "It’s not just that the people who are going to do well in life play sports, but that sports help people do better in life."

I am happy women and girls have a multitude of opportunities to participate in sports. I am proud of Women's Fund's support of programs, such as Girls Inc. and Girl Scouts, helping girls develop self confidence to pursue whatever they set their mind to.

Congratulations to the student athletes playing in this weekend's tournament. I encourage all of us to seek out opportunities to support female athletes.