Savannah, Mo. native tells story of 11 women’s battle for Title IX equality in college athletics

SAVANNAH, Mo. (KQTV) — A Savannah native will return home this week to share the story of 11 women’s fight for Title IX equality in college athletics during the 1970s.

Karen Rudolph, a Savannah graduate and former athlete, coach, and journalist, wrote a book detailing the challenge led by Jean Cerra — the University of Missouri’s women’s athletic director — and other women from major universities against the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women.

In the 1970s, the association was intended to support women in college sports. However, as Rudolph explains in her book, persistent inequalities and barriers remained.

Beyond her work as an author, Rudolph also fought for equal opportunities while attending Savannah High School. Along with her twin sister, she advocated for girls’ sports and pushed for the same athletic opportunities afforded to boys.

A book talk with Karen Rudolph will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the Savannah Branch of the Rolling Hills Library.