by Dina Lassow, Senior Counsel
National Women's Law Center
You wouldn’t necessarily know it from our nation’s newspapers and TV stations, but the U.S. national women’s soccer team stands to make sports history – again. The team has made it to the semi-finals in the World Cup tournament now being played in China. The remaining veteran on the team is Kristine Lilly, playing in her fifth World Cup. The other players of her generation, the “Title IX babies” who include Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy and Mia Hamm -- all strong supporters of the law that made their careers possible -- are now retired, although Julie Foudy is in the broadcasting booth.
We owe it to the outstanding athletes on the team to give them the attention and publicity afforded to male athletes. But the press has not measured up. For example, a 2002 study found that Sports Illustrated provided only 10% of its coverage to female athletes.
We should all be urging the media to give women’s sports the coverage they deserve. But in the meantime, we can enjoy the exciting games! The U.S will face Brazil on Thursday, September 27th, in a game that will be broadcast live at 7:55 am. The other semi-final is between Germany and Norway, and will be broadcast on Wednesday, September 26th, also at 7:55 am. The Consolation (third-place) Game will be on Sunday, September 30th at 4:55 am, with the Championship Game following at 7:55 am (TIVOs and VCRs will be handy.) All games are on ESPN2. So, watch the games and support our team!
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