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Title IX at 50

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. 

Walled Lake Northern welcomes Shaela Byrnes (9) as she crosses the plate after her go-ahead sixth-inning home run.

Turmell's Near No-Hitter, Byrnes' Blast Deliver Northern's 1st Finals Championship

By Tim Robinson
Special for MHSAA.com

June 13, 2026

EAST LANSING – Grand Haven softball coach John Hall had an idea how Saturday’s Division 1 Softball Final with Walled Lake Northern was going to go.

“I told our coaches last night at the hotel this is going to be a 2-1 game,” Hall noted. 

Indeed, it was a pitcher’s duel that saw the teams combine for just four hits in Northern’s 2-1 victory.

The Finals championship was the first for the Knights – and while the result may have been predictable given the talent in the circle, it also took a minute to believe for the winner of that individual duel.

“I didn’t believe it was real until my catcher (Anna Doyle) started running at me,” said Northern senior pitcher Lyla Turmell.

The Knights also made their first appearance in a Semifinal on Thursday, edging Northville by the same 2-1 score.

This game was decided on a home run by junior Shayla Byrnes in the bottom of the sixth inning. Her fly ball down the left field line banged off the foul pole to break a 1-1 tie.

Turmell then struck out the side in the top of the seventh inning.

Grand Haven’s Ryley Jeltema is stuck between third base and home as Northern catcher Anna Doyle runs her back.She had given Northern (39-3) a 1-0 lead on a homer in the first inning. 

“I threw her a wicked rise ball, and she got her hands up to it,” Grand Haven pitcher Lorelei Chcuik said. “There was nothing I could do about it.”

"(I was) getting a rally started, at least," Turmell said of her round-tripper. "I knew my bat could help me."

Chciuk scored Grand Haven’s run in the fourth inning, scoring on a fielder’s choice.

Both pitchers were outstanding.

Turnell allowed only one hit, a first-inning single by Ryley Jeltema. She walked three and struck out nine.

She worked out of trouble in the top of the sixth inning, handling a comebacker with the bases loaded to end a Grand Haven rally. 

Chciuk was equal to the task, striking out 12 while getting on base three times on two walks and being hit by a pitch.

Grand Haven (36-5-1) also was making its first appearance in a championship game.

“It was a game that could go either way,” Hall said. “It came down to two swings. Would I have liked to win? Sure.

“But I wouldn’t’ve traded this for nothing. Nothing.”

Click for the full box score.

PHOTOS (Top) Walled Lake Northern welcomes Shaela Byrnes (9) as she crosses the plate after her go-ahead sixth-inning home run. (Middle) Grand Haven’s Ryley Jeltema is stuck between third base and home as Northern catcher Anna Doyle runs her back.