Karrying the Torch
To some, the name Karen Self may not mean much, but to those in the basketball world, she is something of a legend. A four-year women’s basketball letterwinner at ASU, in addition to track and field, Self credits Title IX with placing her on the trajectory to coach her way to 12 state titles at Seton Catholic and an Arizona High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame Honor.
“Most of my athletic development was made possible by Title IX,” Self said. “I was an early recipient of its benefits. During the late '70s and early '80s there really were no leagues available for girls to compete in sports. Due to Title IX, teams were forced to allow me to play, if there was not equal access for girls.”
After competing with, and often besting, the counterparts on her boys basketball, soccer and baseball teams, Self found herself with an opportunity to play Division I basketball at Arizona State.
“Playing college basketball has opened so many doors for me in my professional life,” Self added. “As a high school basketball coach, I have seen the explosion of opportunities for girls and women in sports. From coaching, to refereeing, to sponsorship, and more, girls have opportunities to participate and be recognized that simply didn't exist during my childhood.”
Self has been at the forefront of this development for young women, as she was named coach of the Girls West Team for the 2020 McDonald’s All-American Game, an event that was once only available for young men to showcase their talents.
As someone who has greatly benefitted from Title IX legislation, Self does anything but take it for granted. She is a champion in the fight that is still very much ongoing, combatting the inequity that still exists between men’s and women’s athletics.
“I am concerned that future generations will not know or understand the impact of Title IX as they grow up in a world where every door is open to them,” said Self. “They will never understand having to invoke Title IX protections in order to join a 5th grade basketball team. This connection to our past is so important as we continue the fight for equality.”
Individuals like Karen Self allow the torch to continue to be passed on to future generations, as we continue celebrate our growth, while holding a somber respect for the tumultuous path to get here.
“We must continue to educate and fight for a level playing field.”
