Ina Gittings paved the way for women's college sports in Arizona. This is her story.

Interest in women’s sports, particularly at the college level, is skyrocketing. According to Nielsen, which collects audience numbers across different media, the 2023 NCAA women's final drew nearly 10 million viewers – up 103% from the previous year.   

But this is a recent development. The story of women's sports is long and hard-fought. And one of its champions is a woman who took no guff from anyone.

In this second episode of Arizona HERstory, Season 2, Valley 101 explores the life of Ina Gittings − the "grandmother" of women's collegiate sports in Arizona. Her lasting presence can be felt around campus at the University of Arizona. Several awards and distinctions are named after her, including the Ina E. Gittings Pioneer Award, as well as the Ina Gittings Studios where performing arts majors practice.

Title IX changes athletics for women

Few laws have influenced high school sports more than Title IX. The law prohibits discrimination based on sex in programs or activities in all federally funded educational institutions. This includes both middle and high schools in addition to universities.

Before its implementation on June 23, 1972, opportunities for women to participate in sports were limited. That's not to say they didn't play sports. However, the activities they could participate in were mostly noncompetitive and often informal. The emphasis was on physical activity rather than competition. There was also heavy sexual discrimination in both sports and health education before Title IX.

Still, before the law changed to protect against discrimination, there were pioneering women who fought for inclusion and equality in sports. One of those is Gittings.

What is Ina Road named after?

Gittings was the first director of physical education for women at the University of Arizona. She also homesteaded north of Tucson near Oro Valley. Those familiar with Tucson might spot the connection to Ina Road.

Listen to the episode:

Listen to Valley 101 on your favorite podcast app or stream the full episode below.

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Note: Valley 101 is intended to be heard, but we offer an AI transcript of the episode script. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio.

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Contact the producer at kaely.monahan@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter/X @KaelyMonahan.