Title IX at 50: We Will Celebrate Many Who Paved the Way
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 31, 2021
Before the passage of Title IX in 1972, fewer than 300,000 females participated in athletics nationwide, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
During the 2019-20 school year – the most recent not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – nearly 76,000 girls competed in athletics in Michigan alone, filling more than 120,000 spots on teams for 750 high schools statewide.
By protecting people of all genders from discrimination in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, Title IX began a now half-century long journey toward equalizing those opportunities.
In advance of next June’s 50th year since the passage of Title IX, every Tuesday this school year we’ll celebrate a person, team or moment that has contributed to Michigan’s rich history of females participating in athletics at MHSAA member schools.
We begin with Michigan's contributions to the yearlong NFHS celebration, which last week highlighted a trailblazer, moment of magnitude and pioneering program across its social media channels.
Second Half's weekly Title IX Celebration posts are sponsored by Michigan Army National Guard.
Diane Laffey's 50-year career at @ReginaWarrenMI HS features a state-best 1,212 wins & 7 🥎 state titles, & 6th-best 659 girls 🏀 wins. Also an AD & 🏀/🏐/🥎 official, she is a National HS HOF inductee & received the 2nd @MHSAA Women in Sports Leadership Award. #TitleIXat50 pic.twitter.com/Jxg39KZZ4j
— NFHS (@NFHS_Org) August 24, 2021
The @MHSAA conducted its first sponsored competitive cheer postseason in 1994. It has since grown to nearly 7,000 annual HS participants (nearly 7,800 in 2006-07) from 350+ schools, providing another substantial winter participation opportunity for female athletes. #TitleIXat50 pic.twitter.com/WnLGRnuDEj
— NFHS (@NFHS_Org) August 26, 2021
The @MHSAA Women in Sports Leadership Conference debuted in 1990 thanks to Suzanne Martin. It is the nation’s first, largest & longest-running conference promoting females in interscholastic athletics & annually draws more than 600 attendees. #TitleIXat50 https://t.co/LKi08bOHrz
— NFHS (@NFHS_Org) August 23, 2021
Mendon Closes 2026 Season with Now-Familiar Finish - as Division 4 Champion
By
Tim Robinson
Special for MHSAA.com
June 13, 2026
EAST LANSING – There’s nothing like repeating as a state champion.
Just ask the Mendon softball team, which downed Brown City 6-2 to repeat in Division 4 on Saturday at Secchia Stadium.
But getting there, especially for the first time, is special, too, as Brown City learned during a first-of-its-kind season for the program.
Mendon, which won its first Finals title a year ago, got on top early against the Green Devils, scoring two runs in each of the first, second and fourth innings. The Hornets then turned things over to pitcher Rowan Allen, who allowed only three hits, walked two and struck out 14.
It was a big day for Allen after what she described as an inauspicious start.
“I didn't feel good when I woke up this morning,” she said. “But once we got to the Final, I started feeling good.”
The Hornets (32-3) were feeling better after taking a 6-0 lead. “I felt good when we were six runs up,” Mendon co-coach Steve Butler said.
Allen contributed to the good feelings with a two-run double in the second inning. She went 2-for-2 at the plate and scored three runs.
Brown City made a bid in the seventh inning, scoring a pair of runs before Allen got out of trouble with a final strikeout.
For the Green Devils, it was a season to savor. They had never gotten past the Regional rounds before.
“Last year, we didn’t have Maddie,” Brown City coach Scott Parr said, referring to senior pitcher Maddie Hohne, who missed last season with an injury. “That kid is tough. It’s going to be tough to replace her.”
Hohne struck out 10 for Brown City (26-12).
Mendon will need to replace Allen, too. She kept the Green Devils at bay.
“She has a phenomenal changeup,” Hohne said.
After Brown City scored in the seventh inning, Allen put the final touches on a repeat title.
“I knew I had to buckle down,” Allen said. “I knew I couldn’t give up. My defense was behind me. I just had to finish.”
Senior shortstop Jadyn Samson also had two hits and scored three runs, and senior center fielder Taya Bingaman had two hits and drove in a run. Senior catcher Cienna Nightingale also drove in a run; those three and Allen were the team’s only returning starters from a year ago.
PHOTOS (Top) Mendon’s Rowan Allen (33), Brynley Jungers (12) and Brooke Gerth (6) get ready to start an inning Saturday at Secchia Stadium. (Middle) Jadyn Samson (15) rounds third base as her coach signals her home.