The Chicago Wolves are proud to continue our support of equality and equity in sports through Women in Sports initiatives.
The organization recognizes the accomplishments of female athletes, front office personnel, media members and all those dedicated to raising awareness about the positive aspects of sports for girls and women.
MEET THE WOMEN ON THE CHICAGO WOLVES’ STAFF
Grace Maher – Graphic Designer Favorite Female Athletes: Simone Biles, Ilona Maher (ironically not related), Bethany Hamilton |
websites/organizations supporting women in sports
Girls in the Game
At Girls in the Game, every girl finds her voice, discovers her strength, and leads with confidence through fun active sports, health, and leadership programs.
Visit Website
CHICAGO WOLVES’ favorite female athletes
EQL
EQL advances gender equality in sport by changing discriminatory policies and practices that obstruct access, equality, and safety for women and girls.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire all girls to build their confidence, kindness, and decision-making skills. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health.
Visit WebsiteGirls Play Sports
Girls Play Sports is dedicated to fostering leadership skills and confidence in girls through their participation in a wide variety of sports. Multi-sport programming exposes girls to sports they have never tried while also engaging them in conversations about important topics that affect young women today, creating future leaders.
Visit WebsiteOff the Street Club
We currently serve more than 3,000 kids in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country, West Garfield Park. We are a place where kids can truly find hope. Every child seeking a safe place to go is welcome to join us for games, play and mentorship.
Visit WebsitePlay it Forward Sports
Play It Forward Sport was founded to create and enhance more opportunities for women as professional athletes, as managers, and as leaders in the sports profession.
Visit WebsiteRise Up
Our mission is to create a fierce and competitive girls’ basketball program that empowers our athletes to compete at the highest levels nationwide. We believe when players feel fully seen, heard, and respected, they can reach new skill levels, pursue personal success, and gain the confidence to express themselves on and off the court.
Visit WebsiteTogethxr
We believe in equal rights, coverage, and investment in women’s sports. We will push brands, companies, and teams to give women equal representation.
Visit WebsiteWomen’s Sports Foundation
We are the ally, advocate, and catalyst for tomorrow’s leaders. We exist to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life.
Visit WebsiteWomens Sports Chicago
We provide a safe space for women of all backgrounds and skills to compete, have fun, stay healthy, and make new friends.
Visit Website
FACTS
Since the early days of modern, organized sports, women have fought for equity in sports, from equal wages among male and female athletes to simply the right to take the field. From modern day superstars to the early advocates for women’s place in sports, female athletes have been making their mark on athletics for centuries. Myths surrounding women included those that women could harm themselves if they participated in sports and might also make them unattractive to men.
Despite this, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, informal athletic clubs had begun to form, and in the 1900 Olympics, 22 women competed alongside men in events such as sailing, croquet, equestrian, tennis and lawn golf. In 1922, the first Women’s Olympic Games took place in Paris, where women competed in more physically demanding events such as shot put. The 1940s saw the introduction of the first women’s professional sports league, with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
While the 1950s and 60s saw some advancements for women in sports, particularly at the Olympic level, it wouldn’t be until the passage of Title IX of the Education Act in 1972 that women were allowed equal opportunity in education and in sport. Prior to Title IX, there were fewer than 30,000 collegiate athletes in the U.S. By 2012, that number had risen to 190,000. While equal access to opportunity in sports is guaranteed under law, the fight for true equality continues to this day.
Pay inequity for female athletes has been a point of contention in recent years, as women were earning lower wages as athletes in organizations such as the WNBA, USA Hockey and the United States Soccer Federation. Women were also earning less prize money in competitions such as Wimbledon and the World Surf League’s Championship Tour. Despite barriers, women have fought—and continue to fight—to be seen as equal in their athletic capabilities.
Title IX
What does Title IX mean for women in sports? Title IX is a federal law that requires all educational institutions in the U.S. to reward and treat male and female athletes equally. Along with that, it also ensures the prevention of discrimination when it comes to accessing sports facilities, training centers, equipment and other support provided to sport programs.
CHICAGO WOLVES coaching STAFF’S favorite female athletes