ADRIAN, Mich. -- Current Siena Heights women's volleyball head coach Kim Berrington has witnessed the change in women's athletics during her lifetime as an athlete and coach.
"Youth sports have exploded," Berrington said. "I could never have imagined having so many opportunities when I was young. I wanted to play everything all the time, and now you can."
In her youth, owning a Pittsburgh Penguins jacket and Steelers hat was an aspiration.
"I thought those were the coolest things ever! Now, you can get college and pro gear for any sport from around the world. Youth baseball players are using bats that cost $500, basketball players are wearing shoes that cost $100s, and youth golfers have simulators in their garages. It's crazy but awesome."
Each Tuesday, we will pay tribute to women who paved the way as part of our "Honoring Title IX" series.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Title IX – which helped unlock access to educational and athletic opportunities for girls and women – Siena Heights University is publishing 12 feature stories highlighting various female athletes, coaches, and administrators for their dedication and impact on campus.
Kim Berrington is in her eighth season at the helm of the Siena Heights women's volleyball program. When she joined the Siena Heights coaching staff in 2015, she ran both the men's and women's programs.
"I was the second men's coach, first female head men's coach. I always feel like it's an honor and privilege to coach these young men and women. We have an opportunity to influence them in so many ways."
Coach Berrington spent five seasons coaching both teams. She is currently the winningest coach for both the SHU men and women, having an 88-44 record on the men's side and a 122-81 mark on the women's side coming into this Fall season.
When Title IX passed in 1972, Berrington was a child and got to watch as women's sports changed, as did her life.
"I am a product of Title IX for sure," she said. "Even though it was passed in 1972, the NCAA didn't offer championships for women until 1982. I graduated high school and went to college in 1981 on a full volleyball scholarship at the University of South Carolina. I played in the NCAA women's national championship tournament in 1984, my senior year. By 1989 I was an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University. So, I've been in the coaching profession for 30+ years and have seen women's volleyball become the premier women's sport."
Berrington is optimistic about Siena Heights University's place regarding opportunities for women in prominent roles, but more can still be done.
"SHU currently has a female president and athletic director. There is no 'old boys club' around here. We still need more women in coaching, either for men's or women's teams; we need more female administrators."
Through a larger scope, Berrington says the fight isn't finished, and her list of demands doesn't seem unreasonable.
"We still need to push for equality! Pay is not equal. Where are the Nike Jordan Larson volleyball shoes? Where are the Kerri Walsh flip-flops? I want to see more women's sports on mainstream TV. I want to see more women coaching NBA, NFL, WNBA, National Teams, etc. I want to see more women sportscasters like Maria Taylor. I want a Lexi Thompson driver or an Inbee Park putter! We still need opportunities."
Kim Berrington and our other honorees will be recognized during halftime of the women's basketball game on Dec. 3. Tipoff for that game is set for 5 p.m.
Also set to be recognized:
- The late Sister Ann Joachim, early administrator
- The late Sister Alice Murnen, the first women's basketball coach/administrator
- President Sister Peg Albert
- Lisa Binkowski
- Sister Jeanne West, early administrator
- Kathi Frank, first head women's volleyball and tennis coach
- Ruth Gerdeman Seggerson, early administrator
- Sue Syljebeck, the first female athletic director
- Cindy Hill, Angie Heath, Deb Ray – first head coaches/inaugural teams
- Jenny Gomoll, first head softball coach of the inaugural team
- Martha Hans, Theresa Padilla, Julie Tortora – first all-Americans from the Title IX era
