#UNITEDBYIX

FIGHTING SCOT WOMEN HAVE RACKED UP HONORS AND SET RECORDS SINCE LANDMARK 1972 LAW

By Craig Butler

These 37 words, signed into law on June 23, 1972, expanded opportunities in college athletics and higher education.

The landmark legislation created academic and athletic opportunities for women and girls at all educational levels, including thousands of Edinboro alumni.

Edinboro was ahead of the curve, instating women’s basketball as a varsity sport in 1966-67, joined by cross country in 1969 and volleyball in 1971, all predating the Title IX legislation. Later, the Fighting Scots added lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field, and tennis.

Since the introduction of women’s varsity sports at Edinboro, 128 female athletes have earned All-American honors, including numerous all-conference and all-region accolades.

Female Fighting Scots had another successful season in 2021-22, both on the field of competition and in the classroom.

After the fall semester, the all-female athlete cumulative GPA was 3.20. Seven women’s teams posted an overall cumulative GPA over 3.0, led by a 3.61 from women’s volleyball. There were 120 women student-athletes who earned Edinboro Scholar-Athlete honors.

In competition, the Fighting Scots have also been extremely successful, with the spring season still to come.

The women’s cross-country team continued their dominance, winning their third straight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship. They also won their third consecutive Atlantic Regional Title, advancing to the NCAA Championships in Florida. Four Scots were named First-Team All-Conference: Anna Alberti, Sheilah Cheruiyot, Kimberly Goerss and Kate Szep.

Women’s soccer qualified for the PSAC postseason for the second consecutive season. Two players, Jenna Derbis and Cameron Bujnowski, were named Second-Team All-PSAC West.

Women’s volleyball enjoyed their first 20-win season since 2017. They claimed a share of the PSAC West regular season title with a 21-6 overall record. The Scots qualified for the NCAA Atlantic Region and advanced to the semifinals. Bella Burrelli and Alicia Eldredge were named first-team All-PSAC West and first-team All-Region by the AVCA. Missy Soboleski was the PSAC West and AVCA Atlantic Region Coach of the Year.

The success continued into the winter season. Women’s basketball reached the PSAC quarterfinals after winning their opening round matchup with IUP. Rana Elhusseini was selected to the PSAC West First Team. The team also unveiled the retired jersey of the program’s all-time leading scorer, Michaela Barnes.

The 2020-21 season was a historic one for the women’s indoor track team. Hosting the PSAC Championship meet on Feb. 26 and 27, the Fighting Scots claimed their first conference championship, outpacing second-place Slippery Rock by 20 points.

Six Scots were named All-Region by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association: Kylie Anicic, Kimberly Goerss, Lauren Jacobs, Abby Piert, Anna Alberti and Jayna Galley. Anicic claimed three individual PSAC Championships and was part of the Edinboro distance medley relay team that also claimed the conference title. She qualified for the NCAA National Championships in the 5K and placed 11th to earn second-team All-American honors. Head coach Anne Cleary was named PSAC Coach of the Year.

Edinboro has launched the #UnitedbyIX campaign to continue to grow and support women’s athletics. The yearlong celebration will run through December 2022. More information on the #UnitedbyIX campaign can be found at edinboro.edu/ about/support/title-ix-celebration.php