NOT MANY universities can claim two Olympic medalists as coaches. But at TWU, Sara Lilly, a 2004 bronze medalist in synchronized swimming, and Randi Miller, a 2008 bronze medalist in wrestling, are two of nine head coaches.

Fifty years ago, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act passed, affording women equal opportunity in athletics. At TWU, this included the advent of athletics scholarships, championed by former Athletics Director Jo Kuhn.

Since its inception in 1906, TWU Athletics has prided itself on serving women student-athletes.

In 1979, the university named its athletic teams the Pioneers, then adopted a Minerva owl as its mascot in 2017. In 1982, TWU joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Today the university competes in five intercollegiate Division II NCAA sports — basketball, gymnastics, soccer, softball and volleyball — and also offers competition in artistic swimming, dance, STUNT and wrestling.

Thanks to Kuhn and other visionaries, Texas Woman’s continues to empower women through education, competition and leadership development.